Not many people know that I spent the better part of a year working with my Dad who was a General Contractor. There is a whole BIG story about how that came about, but it remains one of the jobs I am most proud of.

We climbed under sheds, onto roofs, and because of a property’s water leak ended up totally rehabbing a home that was getting updated to ADA compliance. I remember when Dad insisted that I learn to use the table saw. I remember hanging wallpaper with my Mom (we were pretty good at it). I was around when Dad would work with the subcontractors – mainly electricians and plumbers.

When thinking about doing work in our home all these years later, I know that there is more to a wall than meets the eye. And some of the things that can’t be seen are the most important.

Marc and I have a habit of upgrading the things that can’t be seen. Furnaces and HVAC’s, water heaters, windows. The responsible things that will ultimately help the home take care of us better. And ultimately, buyers will be glad we did it. But it isn’t catching anyone’s eye. It isn’t catching my eye. Even as we are aware of this habit, and really want to redo our main bathroom and kitchen, we are compelled to replace 19 windows first. (And we will pay off that debt before we move on with the next project.)

My leadership style is reflected in my home stewardship style. I ask why and how and what for.  What will support the ultimate vision , even if I’m not here to enjoy it. I create systems to support people and purpose. I am committed to my work reflecting a personal integrity – tied to what is important, not just urgent.  And much of what I do, you won’t see when I’m doing it.

There are leaders who are much more aware of what’s behind the wall, and they lead by making sure the structure is sound and supported. There are leaders who think about how spaces will be used to support the family. And there are leaders who just need the decisions made so they can get to what they bought their house to do.

None of these leadership approaches is wrong. I need someone to remind me that the house has a purpose to serve. I need the people that are even more expert at the details behind the walls. And I need people to remind me that the house is meant to serve the people who live here.

What do you see when you look at a wall? What do you see when you look at your team?

How do you each need one another to fulfill the purpose of your work together?