“I am doing the best job of stone cutting in the entire country.” The second kept on hammering while he said: In Drucker’s version, when asked what they were doing, the first stone cutter replied: Understanding that a legacy will live on, whether in the stone of a cathedral, or in the impact made on other people.ĭemonstrating his own leadership quality, Peter Drucker told a different version of this story, going beyond the obvious in drawing out its lessons.Having the ability to see significance in work, beyond the obvious.Seeing a vision, a sense of the bigger picture.
#Think bigger picture how to
Each knew how to do his job but what was it that set the third stone cutter apart? Perhaps: All three stone cutters were doing the same thing, but each gave a very different answer.
This story beautifully illustrates a key leadership quality – seeing the bigger picture. He seemed to be the happiest of the three and when asked what he was doing replied: “I am building a cathedral.” “I am cutting this block of stone to make sure that it’s square, and its dimensions are uniform, so that it will fit exactly in its place in a wall.” A bit closer to finding out what the stone cutters were working on but still unclear, the traveller turned to the third stone cutter. “I am cutting a stone!” Still no wiser the traveller turned to the second stone cutter and asked him what he was doing. Interested to find out what they were working on, he asked the first stone cutter what he was doing. One day a traveller, walking along a lane, came across three stone cutters working in a quarry. We end this article with Charles Handy’s wonderful quote about “cathedral thinkers”… The Three Stone Cutters Our third version of this story graphically illustrates Peter Senge’s ideas on leadership quality – the importance of sharing a vision. Real leadership quality is demonstrated through both seeing that picture, and through ensuring others see it. Whether you think you’re just earning a living, doing the best at your job, or you’re leaving a legacy, this story demonstrates that there is great value in thinking positively and in seeing the bigger picture.Ī second version of the story, adapted from Peter Drucker, suggests that just seeing the bigger picture is not enough. It powerfully illustrates the importance of perception in our approach to work. The essence of this quality is encapsulated in the classic “stone cutter short-story.” There are several versions of the story, and several ways to interpret its timeless lessons. Which leadership quality would be at the top of your list? Many might say the ability to see the bigger picture – and rightly so!
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