In our quest to unleash the potential of those who are in our care, as leaders, we often overlook the role inclusion plays in our efforts to connect the work we and our teams do each day to something bigger. A simple parable about Sir Christopher Wren and three workers unveiled a profound truth about the diverse perspectives that shape our contributions to the world.
The Parable
In 1666, a devastating fire ravaged the heart of London, reducing many churches to ruins. One morning, Sir Christopher Wren, the architect responsible for rebuilding St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of London’s finest architectural marvels, passed among the workers, most of whom were unaware of his identity. He posed the same question to three men engaged in similar tasks: “What are you doing?”
The first man replied, “I’m cutting this stone.” The second answered, “I’m earning three shillings and six pence a day building this wall so I can feed my family.” However, it was the third man’s response that stood out. With pride, he straightened his posture, gripped his mallet and chisel and declared, “I am helping Sir Christopher Wren to build a great cathedral for the Almighty.”
This parable resonates with audiences worldwide and captures their imagination. While the details vary based on the storyteller and the factual authenticity of the story remains unverified, its enduring message offers valuable insights into the intersection of inclusion, diversity and purpose.
For me, this parable illuminates the power of purpose and the importance of fostering inclusion. By recognizing and appreciating the undeniable value each person brings to their work, whether that’s cutting stone or building cathedrals, we can cultivate a more inclusive culture and purpose-driven mindset.
3 Big Ideas
Since each worker was driven by a different purpose (i.e., performing a simple task, fulfilling basic needs, building a grand cathedral to honor the divine), this parable sheds light on viewing purpose through the lens of inclusion and diversity.
Inclusion is the foundation on which we build a world where everyone has the opportunity to find their purpose and realize their full potential.
– Justin Trudeau
Let’s explore three big ideas:
1. Unveiling Personal Journeys and Shared Purpose
The parable reminds us that each person is on their own journey, progressing at their own pace. It highlights the profound impact of perspective on our sense of purpose. Each bricklayer represented a different perspective, with varying levels of awareness and connection to something bigger than themselves.
Two of the three workers, unaware of the impact they were collectively making, dedicated themselves to their tasks. Whether they realized it or not, they were all part of a greater purpose – the reconstruction of a magnificent cathedral. Since this is the case, it’s important to remind ourselves…
The only hierarchy of purpose is the one we assign to it.
– Unknown
To adopt an inclusive mindset, resist the temptation to elevate one person’s motivation as better than another or consider one purpose higher than another. As a leader, create an environment where each worker is respected for who they are and valued for what they contribute.
By recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives within our families, organizations and communities, we foster an inclusive environment that embraces a wide range of purposes. This inclusivity allows individuals to contribute authentically, drawing from their unique backgrounds, beliefs, experiences and collectively working towards a shared purpose – whether they realize and appreciate it or not – that’s a benefit to all.
2. Purpose Transforms Our Approach
Purpose has transformative powers. While the first two workers saw their work as isolated tasks, the third recognized himself as a vital part of contributing to something significant. His sense of purpose filled him with passion, dedication and a willingness to go beyond the mundane. Purpose-driven individuals understand that their work serves a larger vision, enabling them to bring their very best selves to the task at hand.
Purpose is the fuel that propels us beyond the mundane and into greatness.
– Tony Robbins
A company’s purpose is quickly becoming a differentiator in attracting and retaining top talent as 4 in 10 workers say meaningful work is more important to them than pay. Alight’s recently-released whitepaper “Putting purpose into practice,” demonstrates workers are increasingly evaluating employers on key aspects of being a purpose-driven organization.
As a leader, you aren’t responsible for convincing everyone on your team they share a higher purpose. However, it’s important to periodically “Pause for Purpose” to help everyone understand how their work is contributing to something bigger. By recognizing how the work people do – individually or collectively – is bringing the company’s purpose to life, you’re helping people connect the dots.
Everyone is doing the best they can with what they know, and we are all here to learn and grow.
– Alaric Hutchinson, an international life coach, speaker and expert in Zen philosophy
Like Alaric Hutchinson, I believe everyone is doing the best they can with what they know. I also believe that people possess a deep desire to contribute to something bigger. By recognizing and connecting the value of an individual’s or team’s contributions to a greater purpose, you’re encouraging everyone to seek and cultivate a deeper sense of purpose in their own lives and connect their work to something greater than themselves.
3. Cultivating Belonging and Meaningful Contributions
The parable also invites us to consider the significance of inclusivity in our daily lives. It reminds us of the importance of cultivating a sense of belonging and purpose for all individuals, regardless of their roles or tasks. Despite the differences in their responses, there’s no judgment or hierarchy between the workers. Each brings their unique talents, skills and perspective to the task at hand.
Inclusion is not a matter of tolerance, but of celebration and appreciation.
– Nelson Mandela
My Grandmother often said, “There are two ways around a barn.” This simple phrase reminds me of the value of diversity of thought. While she had a clear idea about how something should be done, she was open to letting me go my own way. Remembering this helps me detach from my own idea about how something is done. It’s the desired result that matters, not necessarily how we get there.
By being open minded and respecting differences, we foster an inclusive environment where people genuinely feel seen, heard and valued. When people feel seen, heard and valued, they show up, bring their best selves to their work and often go above and beyond. Leading with an inclusive mindset nurtures a collective purpose that transcends individual roles, fosters a greater sense of belonging and leads to increased engagement, creativity and more effective collaboration.
Did You Know?
According to 3 Non-Negotiables for Aligning Corporate Purpose with Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, key findings from a Harvard Business Review Analytic Services survey showed that 84% of respondents prioritize corporate purpose as a way to contribute positively to society.
As a result of focusing on making meaningful contributions to the world, companies witness enhanced employee engagement (80%), employee retention (55%), community engagement (43%) and favorable customer reviews (42%).
Parting Thoughts
The parable of Sir Christopher Wren and the three workers highlights the power of purpose and the significance of inclusion. It teaches us that each person’s journey and perspective are valuable, and that, by fostering an inclusive environment, we can cultivate a purpose-driven mindset and model the way for others. Recognizing the transformative nature of purpose, we can inspire individuals to bring their best selves to their work. Moreover, cultivating belonging and meaningful contributions through inclusion creates a sense of purpose for all, fostering engagement, creativity and collaboration.
Purpose is not just a destination, but a guiding star that illuminates every step of our journey.
– Oprah Winfrey
As leaders, we have a responsibility to create a healthy work environment where people feel safe to be their authentic selves. When people feel seen and heard, they’re three times more likely to be highly engaged, according to “The Heard and the Heard-Nots,” a global study of over 4,000 employees conducted by The Workforce Institute at UKG and Workplace Intelligence.
Additionally, it feels good to be part of a team and contribute to something significant. As we help those on our team connect the dots between the work they do and the company’s purpose, we’re contributing to their well-being while fostering an inclusive and purpose-driven culture.
Inclusion leads to diversity. It’s not the other way around, Purpose leads to increased employee engagement and job satisfaction. Companies have the power to create an inclusive culture inspired by a compelling purpose that attracts, then welcomes and retains a diverse pool of talent.
By fostering inclusion and promoting the power of purpose, we unleash the potential of those on our teams, whether they’re cutting stones or building cathedrals.
RELATED:
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- The Next Big Idea: Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work
- Gartner: Employees Seek Personal Value and Purpose at Work. Be Prepared to Deliver
- Forbes: New Survey Shows The Business Benefit Of Feeling Heard – 5 Ways To Build Inclusive Teams