Meaningful Workplaces: Reframing How and Where We Work

Finding Purpose by Helping Others

There is a story about a man who walks up to a field where a large building is being constructed. A number of stonemasons are working, each using a hammer and chisel to carve a piece of stone. The man asks each of the masons the same question: “What are you doing?” “I’m chipping this stone,” says the first. “I’m building a wall,” says the second. “I’m a skilled tradesman,” says another. “I’m supporting my family.” “I’m building a church.” “I’m worshipping God,” says the last mason (Pozzi & Williams, 1997, p. 9). We all have our own level, or perspective, of purpose in relation to ourselves and others. Studs Terkel talked about a bookbinder who loves repairing old books because “a book is a life.” For him, ...