Lighthouses

As far back as I can remember (over 50 years) I have been fascinated with lighthouses.  The first lighthouse I saw “up close and personal” was in Cape Hatteras, NC when my family vacationed in Nags Head.


There is something intriguing about lighthouses…..their shape, the color scheme, their height in wide open areas, and their positioning on islands, inlets and shorelines.Each lighthouse along the eastern coastline of America blinks a different signal.
Their purpose is to guide ships to the shore during times of fog, stormy seas and at night.


A friend of mine, Paul Davis, has shared his fascination with lighthouses while growing up as a boy along England’s coast.  Paul shares that nearly every young lad has dreams of being a boatman.  A boatman in England can be likened to a fireman here in the U.S.  But, a boatman is a volunteer in the coastal town who, when the horn sounds, springs in to action.  You see, a boatman must run to the shore, get it the boat with other boatmen and head out to sea in all sorts of challenging weather to find a lost or stranded ship.  The job is extremely risky, but is never lacking in adventure.


Lighthouses, with their brightly lit lamp – shine the way to safely navigate rocky coastlines, shallow water, and challenging situations for seafarers.


So what does this all have to do with business?


One could ask oneself if they are a beacon of light in their work place?  Do you do your best to provide a positive atmosphere with those around you?  Does the office get brighter or darker when you walk in the room?


Do you help steer in the lost and wayward ships at your work?  Do you offer to help those drowning in work?  Do you offer a life preserver to those who are out bobbing alone in the sea of a new project?


Do you offer a calmness when the atmosphere at work is stormy?


Is your cubicle a safe harbor for those who are struggling to stay afloat?


Simply put – are you a lighthouse where you work?
Have a great week……………….


Ron Orendi