The first stonemason responded, "Laying bricks, sir."
The second mason answered, "Earning a living."
But, when asked by the passerby what he was doing, the third stonemason said, "I'm building a cathedral."
The third craftsperson had a vision and saw the greater purpose of their labor. It was the third stonemason who recognized that they would leave a lasting legacy.
Leadership without vision isn't true leadership at all. It is management. While management is both valuable and necessary, it is simply not the stuff that takes people and organizations to new heights of achievement.
For an organization to grow, to move boldly forward, the leader must know where her organization is and where she wants it to go. She must have and convey a compelling vision, one powerful enough to call her constituents to action. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech is a classic example of the type of vision that inspires the passionate dedication of those who share in it.
No less important than organizational vision is personal vision. Your vision is your beacon, a clear and constant guide to the life of your choosing. "You've got to think about 'big things' while you do small things, so that all the small things go in the right direction" (Alvin Toffler).
What are the "big things" in your world? What will be your legacy?
What's your cathedral?
About the Author
Liz Bywater, PhD, is a consultant and coach to corporate executives, professionals, and independent business owners. She consults, writes, and speaks on a variety of work-related topics, including workplace performance, outstanding leadership, effective communication skills, and work-life balance.
Dr. Bywater sits on the advisory board for Par Excellence magazine and is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Society for the Advancement of Consulting, the Cornell Entrepreneur Network, and Women Inventing Next. She is quoted frequently in the media and has been interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and USA Today.
To learn more, visit her at www.BywaterConsultingGroup.com. To subscribe to her complementary e-newsletter, filled with practical tips for improving performance, send an email to info@BywaterConsultingGroup.com.
