What a Leaf-Sweeper’s Answer Teaches About Personal Leadership

President John F. Kennedy introduced himself to a man sweeping leaves at NASA during a 1962 visit and asked him what he was doing, to which the man replied, “I’m part of the team that’s going to put a man on the moon.”

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Every Small Decision Leads to Winning or Losing in Spiritual Warfare ]

The man knew that clearing debris that could affect the engines of aircraft was an integral part of the overall mission of NASA.

It’s a lesson in how to properly view the big picture of the lives we live, the work we do, and the decisions we make every day. To properly succeed in our personal meaning and leadership, we must avoid thinking small and having tunnel vision in who we are and what we do.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Small Decisions Matter: The 1% ‘Marginal Gains’ Rule ]

Another example often quoted is the story of three bricklayers: After the fire of 1666 that scorched London, the architect Christopher Wren was commissioned to rebuild St. Paul’s Cathedral. During that endeavor, he asked three bricklayers, “What are you doing?” to which the first man replied, “I’m working hard laying bricks to feed my family.” The second responded, “I’m building a wall.” But the third bricklayer replied, “I’m building a great cathedral to The Almighty.”

What is your daily contribution to the ultimate purpose of prioritizing and advancing God’s kingdom?

[ Read SemperVerus articles on the subject of LEADERSHIP ]

The above Kennedy story is taken from The Five Talents That Really Matter by Barry Conchie and Sarah Dalton, as seen in Big Think.

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