![]() |
Barcelona Cathedral |
The definition of teamwork is when each person performs small acts-and each of those small act add up to something extraordinary in the end. Each person has a job to do that contributes a unique part of the end product.
We can apply this definition of teamwork to our daily lives and what we are trying to build right now. We can use this technique to change our mindset when we feel a bit drained, somewhat defeated, and like we are just "the cleaning lady."
My father called it work ethic. He told me and my brother as we were growing up, that no matter if we were doing brain surgery or digging a ditch, we should always do our best work. Each and every time. While I (foolishly) didn't follow much of my father's advice as a kid, this one I have always tried my best to apply!
There is a story I heard from one of my high school teachers that has stayed with me for the past 35 years and illustrates the idea of mindset and teamwork:
A traveler came upon three men working. He asked the first man what he was doing and the man said that he was laying bricks.
The traveler then asked the second man the same question and he replied that he was constructing a wall.
When the traveler got to the third man and asked him what he was doing, and the man replied that he was building a cathedral.
This is an excellent example of how mindset, changing our perspective, and surrounding ourselves with people who can see "the bigger picture"can help us to enjoy our lives and "the process" more, even when we feel like less.
The first man saw himself as having a job.
The second saw himself as having a career.
The third man saw himself as having a calling.
Which do you have?
Do you look at what you do every day as "laying bricks"?
Or can you see the bigger picture, and the difference you are making in helping to build a Cathedral?
A traveler came upon three men working. He asked the first man what he was doing and the man said that he was laying bricks.
The traveler then asked the second man the same question and he replied that he was constructing a wall.
When the traveler got to the third man and asked him what he was doing, and the man replied that he was building a cathedral.
This is an excellent example of how mindset, changing our perspective, and surrounding ourselves with people who can see "the bigger picture"can help us to enjoy our lives and "the process" more, even when we feel like less.
The first man saw himself as having a job.
The second saw himself as having a career.
The third man saw himself as having a calling.
Which do you have?
Do you look at what you do every day as "laying bricks"?
Or can you see the bigger picture, and the difference you are making in helping to build a Cathedral?