WHAT ARE YOU ‘UNIQUELY POSITIONED’ TO DO?
On September 29, 1932, one of US history's most iconic pictures was taken, then shared by the NY Herald Tribune, Sunday Supplement. LUNCH ON A SKYSCRAPER was the photo. The backdrop was what would become one of the most photographed cities in the world: New York City.
At mid-day, 11 ironworkers were photographed seated on a girder on what would ultimately become the central feature (RCA building) of the surrounding Rockefeller Center. Ultimately, 14 buildings made up the space above 50th Street, NYC now known as 30 Rock.
Behind the 11 men on the steel beam, you can view Central Park in the background, the growing city below and the Hudson river in the distance. These men (children of immigrants) are suspended 78 stories above the city (840 feet). They sit on a narrow support beam with a 4 inch lip. At that time, half of the structural steel manufactured in the US was being used by New York City, to make room for the 24 million immigrants who had descended on Ellis Island between 1883-1925. A burgeoning population, still suffering the effects of the great depression in the background told the larger story of…
25% unemployment rate.
The collapse of several banks in New York City alone.
A contentious Presidential election race between FDR and Herbert Hoover.
The repeal of Prohibition.
The end of Babe Ruth’s 14 year stint with the New York Yankees.
The epicenter of Immigration shifting from The Mayflower to Ellis Island.
This simple photo provided a hopeful perspective that signified that ‘something was starting.’ One historian, explaining the popularity of the photo mentioned that “In the midst of the building of NYC, this was the moment when New York became NEW YORK.” The 11 men were ‘UNIQUELY POSITIONED’ to have a perspective that no one else in the city possessed. They are tremendously aware of their surroundings and seem at ease. Their location wasn’t safe although they appear unfazed by the danger below. Their nonchalance can make the observer conflicted by discomfort and the desire to join them! Of the 20 million historical photos stored at Iron Mountain (a 6 square mile storage facility 360 miles west of NYC) ‘Lunch on a Skyscraper’ is their most popular. Ordinary people doing extraordinary work may be the reason. Few get to do what they are doing.
All organizations have teams that are ‘UNIQUELY POSITIONED’ to effect change. They have perspectives that come from altitude, role, and tenure. Young Life is no different. If you serve in leadership in your Area, Region, or Division, you have perspective that allows you to see what is becoming. You see…
What is starting and where greater focus is needed.
The potential timeline, hurdles, and cost.
The opportunities and possibilities.
HERE is an example of a local Young Life Area Committee’s observation on what they are ‘uniquely positioned’ to do.
Understanding what you are UNIQUELY POSITIONED to do gives you perspective to not only notice what is stirring but to find the places where only YOU can serve. Here is an exercise to do with your Committee or Leadership team. TRY THIS EXERCISE:
Study the, Lunch on a Skyscraper photo. (What emotion comes forth? Why do you think it is poignant that the identities of both the 11 men and the photographer are still unknown decades later?)
What are 5 areas where your perspective is Uniquely Positioned? What can you see that others may not have the same vantage point? (Be specific)
What are the harsh realities that you see in your ministry context that others may not be aware of? (Share thoughtfully and respectfully observations you have from your perspective) The truth and reality that you see?
Conversely, what are some opportunities that you see that others may not be aware of? (What are some areas of leverage that stand out to you because of your role, or vantage point?)
What are some areas of support, training, resourcing, and strategy that can only be accomplished by those on your team, with your perspective?
I sometimes wonder if the ‘Lunch on a Skyscraper’ photo became famous because of the good questions it prompted.
“Are they really doing that?”
“What are they discussing?”
“Where, when, and what is happening?”
What is more fun than observing ordinary people doing extraordinary things? If you do the exercise listed above, I would love to hear your thoughts. Call or email me at kenbtank@gmail.com or (303) 472-8140.
-Tank.