“Vision without action is just a dream. Action without vision leads nowhere. Vision with action can change the world.” -Joel A. Barker
Let’s explore the impact of a clear, inspiring vision on employee engagement and the role of leaders in communicating that vision. It’s a story often used to illustrate the importance of having a clear and motivating vision to accomplish work.
The story of the three stonecutters
The story goes that a man was walking alongside a construction site where three stonemasons were working.
- The first stonemason, when asked what he did, replied with a grumpy look: “I cut stones. That’s all I do all day, every day of the week.”
- The second stonemason responded with a little more enthusiasm: “I’m building a wall. I love my job and I’m proud to be part of the construction of this building.”
- The third stonemason, however, responded with passion and inspiration: “I am building a cathedral. I work hard every day to help create a place of worship that will be magnificent and inspire people for centuries to come.”
The impact of a clear and inspiring vision on employee engagement
This story shows that the vision we have for our work can have a significant impact on the motivation and commitment we put into it. The third stonemason had a clear and motivating vision for his work, which allowed him to be more engaged and motivated than the other stonemasons.
The role of leaders in communicating a clear and inspiring vision
Likewise, if employees understand how their work contributes to the achievement of a larger, more notable goal, they will be more invested in their work, more engaged and more motivated. Leaders therefore have an important role to play in communicating a clear and inspiring vision to their team, explaining how each employee contributes to achieving this common goal and creating a work environment that encourages engagement and motivation.
Having a clear and motivating vision does not mean that work will always be easy or enjoyable, but it can help employees overcome difficulties and stay motivated even in difficult times. It can also increase job satisfaction and well-being, as well as pride in being a member of a team working together to achieve a common goal.