The Three Bricklayers

St. Paul's Cathedral, London

Built between 1675 and 1710, St. Paul’s Cathedral in London has served as a key location for several important events in British history, such as the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1981, and the funerals of Lord Nelson, Winston Churchill, the Duke of Wellington and Margaret Thatcher.

It has been described as the quintessential example of the English Baroque, and has come to be seen as a symbol of London itself.  The dome of St Paul's is considered an engineering marvel.

Here is a wonderful story about Sir Christopher Wren, the famous architect of this majestic cathedral.

The Three Bricklayers

One morning Sir Wren passed among the workmen, most of whom did not know him, and he asked three different men engaged in the same kind of work the same question: “What are you doing?” 

The first man replied very matter-of-factly, “I am cutting this stone.  I am laying bricks.  This is what I do.  I am a bricklayer.” 

A little later, Sir Wren came across a second bricklayer and he asked him the same question.  He replied, “I am earning three shillings and six pence a day.  I am making a living.  I take pride in my craft and it’s good to know that what I do here can feed my family and meet our needs.” 

Finally, Sir Wren came across a third bricklayer and he asked him.  This third man straightened up, squared his shoulders, and holding his mallet in one hand and chisel in the other, proudly replied with a gleam in his eye, “I am helping Sir Christopher Wren build the most beautiful cathedral in the world for the glory of God!”

MEANING & PURPOSE
This story has many renditions.   Its original source has been traced back to a book published in 1927 by Bruce Barton, What Can A Man Believe.  The story has been shared again and again.  And for good reason.  It's not only a story about how we view our work—perspective and how one can frame that—it's a story about meaning and purpose.

Three bricklayers all doing the same thing, and yet, each one views their work differently.  One simply describes what he does.  It's his j-o-b.  The second takes pride in a craft that allows him to meet basic needs and provide for his family.  The third, inspired by a leader he doesn't even recognize or know, connects his work to a wider and more inspiring meaning and purpose.

Meaning and purpose at work has become a crucial factor for employees, leaders, and organizations like never before.  Meaning and purpose at work are connected to employee retention and engagement, organizational pride, well-being, life satisfaction, productivity, financial success, and overall leadership effectiveness.

Solid, consistent, and extensive evidence continues to demonstrate the power of purpose.  Employees want it.  Leaders acknowledge its strategic, financial, and operational benefits.  But, the research also demonstrates that leaders and organizations are simply not delivering it or not delivering it well.

LIFE MISSION & A LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
Developing, leading, and living by a powerful life mission and leadership philosophy is a fundamental way we can harness the power of personal meaning and purpose, just like the third bricklayer.  It serves to inspire and guide us—and when we lead and live by it, we inspire others.

When we believe in and act on something that gives us greater meaning and purpose in our lives, we simply try harder, work longer, are more creative, and produce better results, products, and outcomes.  It also serves to bind others together in a higher, common cause and boosts engagement, connection, and team cohesion.  It brings a sense of greater contribution and fulfillment.

Unfortunately, many leaders have not been given the skills, tools, and strategies to develop a leadership philosophy—much less discovered how to lead and live by one.  They are missing a key, strategic and fundamental leadership tool that can not only transform their leadership, it can transform lives.

LEADING WITH MEANING & PURPOSE
A new course is coming soon that will provide those for you:  The skills, tools, and strategies to develop a leadership philosophy to live and lead by.

Leading With Meaning and Purpose will empower you to amplify your leadership effectiveness and it has the potential to change your life. 

• Learn why leading with meaning and purpose is so important for leaders today. 
  
  
• Walk through a proven step-by-step process for developing your very own, personal leadership philosophy. 
  
  
• Discover best-practices, tools, and strategies to lead and live by your leadership philosophy.

The skills, tools, and strategies you learn in this developmental experience will last a lifetime.  And when you lead and live by them, model them, and mentor others with them, you create a ripple effect with those you lead and serve that will last for generations.

Watch this space for release dates and launch-week exclusive discounts.

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Have an amazing journey today!

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Alan Mikolaj is a coach and leadership development consultant with 15+ years of experience.  He is passionate about helping leaders transform their leadership, their teams, and their organizations.  Impactful, professional approach driven by a passion for meaning and purpose, a growth mindset, and a commitment to excellence and service in order to drive change and results.

Alan maintains the ethics and standards of behavior established by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), including the standards regarding confidentiality.  You can learn more about them on the ICF website.