Three stone cutters were asked what they did for a living.
The first said he was paid to cut stones. The second replied that he used special techniques to shape stones in an exceptional way, and proceeded to demonstrate his skills. The third stonecutter just smiled and said:
‘I build cathedrals.’
From Ricardo Semler
Ricardo Semler is the CEO of SEMCO. As of 2003, SEMCO had annual revenue of $212 million, from $4 million in 1982 and $35 million in 1994, with an annual growth rate of up to 40 per cent a year. It employs 3,000 workers in 2003, as opposed to 90 in 1982.
On wikipedia:
Among many ‘radical’ policies, Semler let his employees set their own hours, design their workplace, choose their own IT, share all information and have no secrets. Every six months bosses are evaluated by their subordinates and the results are posted. Semco has a policy of complete internal financial openness, even teaching factory workers how to read accounts so they can understand the company’s books. Salaries are public information unless the employee requests they not be published. In addition, all employees can set their own salary. In doing so they must consider what they think they can make elsewhere; what others with similar skills and responsibilities make in the company; what friends with similar backgrounds make and how much they need to live on. Semco doesn’t have receptionists, secretaries or personal assistants, regarding them as unnecessary.
You see, if you know the BIG PICTURE - The WHY you are doing what you are doing, you tend to do it with passion. You are motivated and inspired to work.
So, my friend, in your blog-writing or in your work. Are you paid to do it? Is it a showcase of your skills? or do you build cathedrals?
Come on! Let’s all build cathedrals!