The cathedral effect on productivity

The cathedral effect is a concept that originated in the construction of the great Gothic cathedrals. These majestic structures were not built overnight, but over decades or even centuries. Each generation of builders contributed their labor and effort to carry the work forward.

This principle can be powerfully applied to our work productivity. In this session, we will explore how the Cathedral Effect can help us build strong and sustainable productivity in our professional lives.

Have a clear vision

The first step in applying the cathedral effect is to have a clear vision of what we want to achieve in our career or project. Like the builders of a cathedral, we need to have a clear picture in our mind of the end goal we want to achieve. This gives us a clear direction and helps us establish the right foundation to build our productivity effectively.

Once we have a clear vision, it is important to break that goal down into achievable steps. Just as the builders divided the construction of a cathedral into smaller stages and tasks, we should do the same with our goals. This allows us to have a more manageable focus and helps us stay motivated as we reach each step toward our ultimate goal.

Persistence and commitment

The cathedral effect also involves persistence and commitment. The builders of ancient cathedrals knew they would not see the work completed in their lifetime, but they remained steadfastly committed to contributing to its enduring legacy.

Similarly, we must commit to our long-term productivity, recognizing that meaningful results may take time to manifest. Persistence is key to overcoming the challenges and obstacles that may arise on the way to our goals.

Collaboration and mutual support

In the construction of a cathedral, the builders were not working alone. Effective collaboration and mutual support were required to achieve the common goal. Similarly, in our quest for greater productivity, it is important to seek collaboration and support from those around us. We can form alliances with colleagues, seek mentors or coaches to guide us on our journey, and share knowledge and resources to achieve our goals more efficiently.

Learning and adjusting

The cathedral effect also involves constantly learning and adjusting our strategy. As we move forward in our quest for greater productivity, it is essential to assess and modify our actions based on the results we achieve.

Just as ancient builders learned from each stage of construction, we must learn from our experiences, determine what works and what doesn't, and make the necessary adjustments to improve our long-term productivity.

In the construction of a cathedral, each completed stage was cause for celebration. Similarly, in our quest for greater productivity, it is important to celebrate the milestones we reach on the way to our goals.

Recognizing and celebrating our achievements motivates us and reminds us that we are moving in the right direction. This celebration provides us with the energy and momentum needed to continue building our productivity with enthusiasm and determination.