What’s the BIG PICTURE?
During world war 2, when Britain was experiencing the darkest days, the country had a diffucult time keeping man and women in the coal mines. Many wanted to give up their dirty, thankless jobs in the dangerous mines to join the military service, which garnered much public praise and support. Yet their work in the mines was critical to the success of the war. Without coal the military and the people at home would be in trouble.
So the prime minister faced thousands of coal miners one day and told them of their importance to the war effort, how their role could make or break the goal of maintaining England’s freedom.
Churchill painted a picture of what it would be like when the war ended, of the grand parade that would honour the people who fought the war. First would come the sailors of the navy, he said the people who continued the tradition of Trafalgar and the defeat of the Spain Armada. Next would come the best and brightest of Britain, the pilots of the Royal Air Force who fended off the German Luftwaffe. Following them would be the soldiers who had fought at Dunkirk.
Then last of all would come the coal-dust-covered men in miners’ caps. And Churchill indicated that someone from the crowd might say,"And where were you during the critical days of the struggle?" And the voices of ten thousand men would respond, "We were deep in the earth with our faces to the coal."
It’s said that tears appeared in the eyes of those hardened men. And they return to their inglorious work with steely resolve, having been reminded of the role they were playing in their country’s noble goal of preservating freedom for the Western world.
That’s the kind of mindset it takes to have a good team. It takes the courage and the resolve to recognise that the goal is more important than the role. It’s no small thing for people to do what’s best for the team. Often it means sacrificing personal satisfaction, individual statistics, or personal glory. "Everybody on a champion team doesn’t get publicity, but everyone can say he’s a champion."
Think about it.. Can You See The Big Picture of the Company? Is your role more important than the Goal? or Is the Goal more important than your role? It’s in your hand.. Think.. Act.. & Change…
