Last summer, we traveled with our family to Barcelona, Spain. One of the highlights of our trip was a visit to the Basilica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, also known as Sagrada Familia.
Although the church is incomplete, it was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI as a basilica and selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Sagrada Familia is a visual representation of Antoni Gaudi’s vision. Construction began in 1882, however Gaudi took over the project in 1883 and transformed the project into an engineering and architectural masterpiece. Gaudi combined Gothic and Art Nouveau to creat a design beyond the technical capacity of 1900’s.
Gaudi was 30 years old when he began working on the basilica. While progress was slow, Gaudi understood the Sagrada Familia would not be completed in his lifetime. It was said, Gaudi once remarked “My client is not in a hurry.” When Gaudi died in 1926 at the age of 73, only 15 to 25 percent of the basilica was complete.
The Sagrada Familia has been under construction for 134 years. So how are modern-day engineers and architects implementing Gaudi’s vision? Guadi understood his designs were technologically advanced and beyond his ability. To guide the construction, Gaudi spent the last years of his life constructing plans and models of his design.
[callout]Leaders set the path, but they cannot achieve success alone.[/callout]
Gaudi also surrounded himself with like-minded individuals who would share his vision. After Gaudi’s death, four architects including Lluis Bonet i Gari assumed responsibility for completing the design. Today, Bonet’s son is the current director of the basilica.
In spite of war, fire and death, Gaudi’s vision has continued to inspire and drive the construction of the basilica. It is currently estimated Gaudi’s vision is about 28 years from completion.
It is critical for others to share your vision. How do leaders transfer vision? For one thing, you must lead by example. As the leader, you must share and model your vision to inspire others. Once others can see themselves in your vision, they will buy-in to the vision, which will build collaboration and ownership.
[shareable cite=”Kim D. Moore”]A shared vision paints a picture of future success for all”[/shareable]
As the leader, It’s your responsibility to paint the picture. Now that you’re in the chair, how are you transferring your vision? Share one of your steps with me in the comment box below.
If you are enjoying this “You’re in the Chair, Now What” series, please scroll down and share this post with your family, friends and colleagues.
Your friend,
Kim
0 comments