Cathedrals and Castles
“All the things we achieve are things we have first of all imagined.” (David Malouf, writer)
A story is told of a visitor visiting a work site and talking to the workers to find out how they felt about their work.
He approached the first worker and asked, “What are you doing?” “What are you, blind?” the worker snapped back. “I’m cutting these boulders with these tools and putting them together the way the boss tells me. I’m sweating under this blazing sun, it’s back-breaking work, and it’s boring me to death!”
The visitor quickly backed off and retreated to a second worker. He asked the same question: “What are you doing?” The worker replied, “I’m shaping these boulders into usable forms, which are then assembled according to the architect’s plans. It’s hard work and sometimes it gets repetitive, but I earn good money every week and that supports my family. It’s a job. Could be worse.”
Somewhat encouraged, he went to a third worker. “And what are you doing?” he asked. “Why, can’t you see?” beamed the worker as he lifted his arms to the sky. “I’m building a cathedral!”
As the Leader of your team, what are you doing to create a vision for your employees? What is the “big picture” they see? How can you inspire them to take pride in their work and believe in their company?
It all begins with you, your dreams, your imagination and how you lead.
“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost. That is where they should be. Now put the foundation under them.” (Henry David Thoreau)
Catalyst Quotes 