explains. Under the plant's new defense contract, there's a life cycle clause … basically the manufacturing cycle must produce the part as specified … and Mike's team, well, they re-engineered the original patent … the modification is a problem--"

"That's because it doesn't work," Michael interrupts, "or it won't work for long -- see the rotational axis…"

Somebody needs to make it work, the boss dem

Michael, 39, is a section leader for a large US plant that manufactures jet engine components. In many aspects, the career is rewarding. After 17 years, Michael is in line for a major promotion. Not only does the work offer potential for advancement, but it also affords security in terms of salary, benefits and the promise of an attractive retirement plan.

Security and potential are important to Michael and his family. But they're not the only terms that motivate. Michael knows his high standards influence his team's oversight. Their work means safer jets and safer air travel. Year after year, the section earns company awards and bonuses for workflow management, workplace safety and production. There's a real value in his work as a mechanical engineer, and most measure Michael a success.

He likes to think so, too. Still, in quiet moments, he wonders…is this really the work for me? Is this what I envisioned? He sketches his thoughts to paper. They take shape as a shelf -- the one he can't buy. He needs the shelf to finish the neoangle tile shower he and his wife have constructed as their month-long do-it-yourself project. His thoughts wander again, and this time, map the equation for the conversion angle. He wonders where he stashed his drafting paper, his compass … he believes he can create the shelf that he envisions.

But the thoughts are quickly discarded, stifled by the ring of the telephone. With a slight sigh, Michael answers. It's his boss, who apologizes for calling on a Sunday afternoon…

"No problem," Michael says, "that's what I'm here for."

There's a problem with the production cycle, his boss explains. Under the plant's new defense contract, there's a life cycle clause … basically the manufacturing cycle must produce the part as specified … and Mike's team, well, they re-engineered the original patent … the modification is a problem--"

"That's because it doesn't work," Michael interrupts, "or it won't work for long -- see the rotational axis…"

Somebody needs to make it work, the boss dema

d his family. But they're not the only terms that motivate. Michael knows his high standards influence his team's oversight. Their work means safer jets and safer air travel. Year after year, the section earns company awards and bonuses for workflow management, workplace safety and production. There's a real value in his work as a mechanical engineer, and most measure Michael a success.

He likes to think so, too. Still, in quiet moments, he wonders…is this really the work for me? Is this what I envisioned? He sketches his thoughts to paper. They take shape as a shelf -- the one he can't buy. He needs the shelf to finish the neoangle tile shower he and his wife have constructed as their month-long do-it-yourself project. His thoughts wander again, and this time, map the equation for the conversion angle. He wonders where he stashed his drafting paper, his compass … he believes he can create the shelf that he envisions.

But the thoughts are quickly discarded, stifled by the ring of the telephone. With a slight sigh, Michael answers. It's his boss, who apologizes for calling on a Sunday afternoon…

"No problem," Michael says, "that's what I'm here for."

There's a problem with the production cycle, his boss explains. Under the plant's new defense contract, there's a life cycle clause … basically the manufacturing cycle must produce the part as specified … and Mike's team, well, they re-engineered the original patent … the modification is a problem--"

"That's because it doesn't work," Michael interrupts, "or it won't work for long -- see the rotational axis…"

Somebody needs to make it work, the boss dem

o, too. Still, in quiet moments, he wonders…is this really the work for me? Is this what I envisioned? He sketches his thoughts to paper. They take shape as a shelf -- the one he can't buy. He needs the shelf to finish the neoangle tile shower he and his wife have constructed as their month-long do-it-yourself project. His thoughts wander again, and this time, map the equation for the conversion angle. He wonders where he stashed his drafting paper, his compass … he believes he can create the shelf that he envisions.

But the thoughts are quickly discarded, stifled by the ring of the telephone. With a slight sigh, Michael answers. It's his boss, who apologizes for calling on a Sunday afternoon…

"No problem," Michael says, "that's what I'm here for."

There's a problem with the production cycle, his boss explains. Under the plant's new defense contract, there's a life cycle clause … basically the manufacturing cycle must produce the part as specified … and Mike's team, well, they re-engineered the original patent … the modification is a problem--"

"That's because it doesn't work," Michael interrupts, "or it won't work for long -- see the rotational axis…"

Somebody needs to make it work, the boss dem

s where he stashed his drafting paper, his compass … he believes he can create the shelf that he envisions.

But the thoughts are quickly discarded, stifled by the ring of the telephone. With a slight sigh, Michael answers. It's his boss, who apologizes for calling on a Sunday afternoon…

"No problem," Michael says, "that's what I'm here for."

There's a problem with the production cycle, his boss explains. Under the plant's new defense contract, there's a life cycle clause … basically the manufacturing cycle must produce the part as specified … and Mike's team, well, they re-engineered the original patent … the modification is a problem--"

"That's because it doesn't work," Michael interrupts, "or it won't work for long -- see the rotational axis…"

Somebody needs to make it work, the boss dem

explains. Under the plant's new defense contract, there's a life cycle clause … basically the manufacturing cycle must produce the part as specified … and Mike's team, well, they re-engineered the original patent … the modification is a problem--"

"That's because it doesn't work," Michael interrupts, "or it won't work for long -- see the rotational axis…"

Somebody needs to make it work, the boss demands. He reads Michael the clause.

"A life cycle issue. I see."

"Good. Or it's a life cycle crisis, because Mike, this is a $23 million contract!"

"Sure, Bill, I get that part. It's the other part I don't get. You're saying that we need to upcycle the part, and a slight modification is okay … as long as it's true to the design. Any big change that calls for patent reapplication is a no-go. Even if it's better?

And safer, he thinks.

"That's it, Mike. I knew I could count on you!"

"So we don't care about a better mousetrap?"

The boss chuckles. "No, we care about the contract. Save the improvement for the boardroom."

…is this really the work for me? The thought briefly invades again. It's discarded by the sound of Michael's family -- and sudden anxiety that his job may be at stake.

"Mike? Are you there?"

"Sure, Bill, just thinking."

"Well, just think about the contract -- imagine the play it will have on your promotion. And well, buddy, about that better mousetrap … we can apply for patents, too."

Is this what I envisioned?

"We'll get together on that, once you get the crisis out of that life cycle. Any questions?"

"Is this the work for me?" Michael asks.

"I don't get it, Mike. Of course-- it's your job! That's what we pay you for."

"Just thinking out loud, Bill. But now that I've heard your answer, I didn't realize … for some reason I thought of my work differently, more valuable … "

"It is valuable! Like I said, that's a $23 million contract - with options for renewal!"

For Michael, this scenario isn't just a crisis in the busi