Why It Matters

 
Below is a short story to encourage you to identify and understand what you are doing day in and day out and why it matters.

A manager wanted to see how his workers felt about their jobs. He went to his building site to take an informal poll.

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 primitive tools and putting them together the way to boss tells me. I’m sweating under this blazing sun, it’s backbreaking work, and it’s boring me to death.”

The executive quickly backed off and went looking for another worker. “What are you doing?” he asked, “I’m shaping these boulders into different forms, which are then assembled according to the architect’s plan. It’s hard work and it sometimes gets repetitive, but I earn a good wage and that supports my family. It’s a job. Could be worse.”

Somewhat discouraged, he went to a third worker. “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! I can imagine the steps over there, filled with throngs of people hurrying inside for a wedding. I can hear the bells ringing out on Sunday morning. I can almost see the way the morning sun will shine through the stained glass, creating beautiful patterns. What a great job!”

You see three different people, all doing the same job, with three totally different ways of looking at it.

• The first worker focuses on what he is doing – breaking stones. He's not happy with his job, and he's possibly not happy with his life.
• The second worker appreciates why he’s doing his job – it’s part of a plan; he makes a living.
• The third working has a mission and a vision. His focus is on “Why it matters.” His vision is way past the construction and intense / boring labor. He is focused on the outcome and experience for others that his work will provide.

Now take some time for yourself:
1) What do you like most about your job?
2) What do you like least about your job?
3) What does your future look like?
4) What do you want to learn? New skills?

Ask yourself:
What’s the cost of staying as I am?
What’s the benefit of working toward a better self?

(Taken from The Sherpa Guide - Process Driven Executive Coaching; photo istockphoto.com)

Comments

[Lindsay Colitses]

Great point Gina, thanks for sharing!

[Gina]

Love this story because I am fortunate enough to be the 3rd worker. I love my job and feel so lucky to be able to do what I do. You know the old saying- "if you love what you do- you never really work a day in your life" It is so true. Find what you are passionate about and then find a way to make a living at it.