Ken Chapman & Assoc.
Phone: (205) 366-0265
Fax: (205) 366-0401
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Motivational Stories for Leaders

Everybody is a Part of the Big Picture
Copyright © All rights reserved
By Ken Chapman, Ph.D.
 Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

 
            Leaders who build successful teams never forget that every person on the team has a role to play and every role plays its part in contributing to the bigger goal.  Without that perspective, the team cannot accomplish its goal, whether the team’s “game” is sports, business, family, or government.  Leaders at the highest level understand the law that says that everyone is a part of the big picture.  They continually keep the vision of the big picture before themselves and their teammates.  

            An outstanding example involves Winston Churchill.  It is said that during World War II when Britain was experiencing its darkest days, the country had a difficult time keeping men working in the coal mines.  Many wanted to give up their dirty, thankless jobs in the dangerous mines for military service, which garnered much 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 honor the people who fought the war.  First would come the sailors of the navy, he said, the people who continued the tradition of Trafalgar in the defeat of the Spanish armada.  Next would come the best and brightest of Britain, the pilots of the Royal Air Force who fend 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 would 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 digging of coal.” 

            It is said that tears appeared in the eyes of those hardened men and they returned to their work with steely resolve having been reminded of the role they were playing in their country’s noble goal of preserving freedom for the western world.  

That is the kind of mindset it takes to build a team.  It takes the courage and resolve to recognize the goal is more important than the role.  It is no small thing for people to do what is best for the team.  It is, in fact, a heroic act to subordinate one’s own interest for the interest of the whole.  Effective leaders understand how to draw the best out of the individual in the interest of the whole.  Effective leaders make sure everyone knows they are an important part of the goal. 

For more information about Ken Chapman and Associates’ Leadership Development Programs, contact Ken Chapman at 205.366.0265 or email Ken at kchapman@leaderscode.com.

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