Understanding the purpose behind our work is essential for personal fulfillment and effective teamwork. This lesson introduces a story that illustrates how different perspectives can affect our motivation and productivity. As you listen, pay attention to how each character's attitude reflects their understanding of their role in a project. This will help you connect the moral of the story to your own experiences, especially in a collaborative environment where everyone contributes to a common goal. By recognizing the value of seeing the bigger picture, you will learn how to enhance your own work experience and contribute positively to your team's success.
Read the vocabulary list to familiarize yourself with key terms.
Watch the video once without worrying about filling in the gaps.
Fill in the gaps while watching the video again.
Read the full text and watch again to consolidate.
Small rectangular blocks used for building.
A vertical structure that defines and protects a space.
A large and important church, often with beautiful architecture.
Arguing or fighting over trivial matters.
Coated with a mixture to create a smooth surface, usually for walls.
A single thickness or coating on a surface.
Goals or aims that one strives to achieve.
Targets or aims that a person or organization wants to achieve.
Feeling very enthusiastic and eager.
The process of building something.
In many cultures, the way people perceive their work varies significantly. Some see it merely as a means to earn a living, while others find deeper meaning and purpose in their tasks. Understanding this diversity can help improve teamwork and communication.
Pay attention to the pronunciation of words like 'cathedral' and 'objectives.' The stress is on the second syllable in 'cathedral' (ca-THED-ral), and in 'objectives,' it is on the second syllable as well (ob-JEC-tives). Additionally, notice the linking in phrases such as 'greatest cathedral' where the 't' in 'greatest' blends into the following vowel sound in 'cathedral.' Practicing these sounds will help improve your clarity when speaking.
To get the most out of this lesson, start by listening to the story without focusing on the gaps. Try to grasp the overall meaning first. On your second pass, listen for the specific vocabulary words and fill in the gaps as you hear them. Afterward, review the vocabulary and create sentences using those words to reinforce your understanding. Use the open questions to reflect on your own experiences and discuss them with a partner. Finally, consider shadowing the transcript by reading along while listening to improve your fluency.
Transcript adapted by ListenLoop for language learners. Read alongside the video to consolidate comprehension.
Hi everyone, we are going to break out into groups, but before we do, I want to start with a little story. Out for a walk one morning, a woman came across a construction site where three men were working. Curious, she approached one of them and asked what he was doing. Clearly annoyed that she had bothered him, he said, "Can't you see? I'm laying bricks." Not easily put off, she asked the next man what he was doing. He answered matter-of-factly, "I'm building a wall 20 feet tall, 100 feet wide, and 18 inches thick." Then, turning his attention to the first man, he said, "Hey, you just passed the end of the wall. You need to take off that last brick." Still not satisfied, the woman asked the third man what he was doing. Despite the fact that he appeared to be doing the exact same thing as the other two men, he looked up in excitement and said, "Oh, let me tell you, I'm building the greatest cathedral the world has ever known." She could tell that he was eager to tell her more, but before he had a chance, he was distracted by loud bickering between the other two men about what to do about the one errant brick. Looking at the men, he said, "Don't worry guys, this will be an inside corner. The whole thing will get plastered over and no one will ever see that brick. Just move on to the next layer." The moral of the story: If you understand the overall objectives of your organization and how your work fits into it, it not only helps you to do your job, but it enables others to do their job better. It helps you to be a better leader, but more importantly, it will help you enjoy what you do. When setting goals, all of our team members should be aware of the big picture and what we are trying to achieve. Now, let's break out into groups and set some goals.
