3 minute read
Direct from the Director
from NewsLeaks
Chris Harrison, Director
Finding the power of purpose
As some of you are aware, I like to read books – more specifically, listen to audiobooks. By chance, I was introduced to an author, Greg Coker, who has authored several books but my attention was drawn to one titled “Building Cathedrals: The Power of Purpose”. The key discussion topics raised within the book had me reflecting on my career as a public servant.
In the book, the author references Christopher Wren who is known in England as one the greatest architects in history. Wren was commissioned to rebuild Saint Paul’s Cathedral after the Great Fire of 1666, which destroyed London. As he inspected the job site, he observed three workers on a scaffold: one crouched down, one half-standing, and the third standing very tall and outworking the other two.
The first worker who was crouching down with little engagement in his job duties was asked by Wren “What are you doing?” He replied, “I’m working,” with little excitement. The second worker who was engaged in the task at hand was asked the same question and replied, “I’m building a wall.” Wren moved to the third worker who was outpacing the other two and seemed to have a purpose on why he was there. The same question was asked “What are you doing?”. The third worker replied “I’m building a cathedral” to the all-mighty. The third worker had a purpose and vision to see the cathedral restored.
I must ask: are you complacent and only meeting your daily commitment, or are you focused with a purpose of improving your community? Your cathedral!
Being purpose-driven is not about having all the answers or being the most intelligent person in the room. It is about being engaged with improving your community each and every day. I call this the compounding effect. I view each community I have had the pleasure of working with as a cathedral. Each community is different and has specific needs and goals. The one factor all have in common is that public utilities are the pulse of the community. To be successful, each utility must be steered by individuals who understand their purpose.
To close, I would like to pose a few questions to you. Do you have a purpose for your community, a vision on where you want the community to grow? And how are you engaging in your community daily to meet those goals?
Our focus is simple. Move water to where it should be, and make sure it’s clean when it gets there.
Our team provides a diverse range of experience, from traditional to innovative solutions to your utility problems.
STUDIES & INVESTIGATIONS DISTRIBUTION & COLLECTION
SUPPLY & TREATMENT
FUNDING ASSISTANCE WELLS & SURFACE
8320 CRAIG STREET | INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46250 800.382.5206 | B-L-N.COM
TIME RUNNING OUT FOR YOUR AGING INFRASTRUCTURE?
Kokosing turns the clock back by repairing, rebuilding and upgrading critical water assets while keeping your system online.
Serving All Of Indiana
www.kokosing.biz
Tina Wolff, PE, CEM
tgw@kokosing.biz 260.444.8363
CURB SERVICE BOXES
VALVE PROTECTION
Non-conductive solid plastic injection molded base with Polyiron top section will not damage or chip the coating on mains or valves. White interior reflects light for clearer visibility.
LIGHTWEIGHT & HIGH-STRENGTH
Components are one-third the weight of cast iron, reducing installation time and risk of injury. Material is easy to modify and cut to length in the field and will not crack, rust or seize.
MADE IN THE USA
Magnetically locatable
For further information contact: Utility Solutions, Inc. | 740-369-4300 | www.utility-solutions.com
Covers available in cast iron or injection molded plastic Marking options available
Screw type or slip type designs for curb stops through 2 1/2”
oldcastleinfrastructure.com
