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Inukshuk, pronounced in-ook-shook, are stone monuments erected in the image
of humans. One of their purposes was to communicate direction in the harsh
and desolate Arctic. As such they were a tool for survival, and symbolic
of the the unselfish acts of a nomadic people - the Inuit - who built them
as signposts to make the way easier and safer for those who followed.
The hands of many and the efforts of an entire group were required to build
these massive stone sculptures. They are the result of a consensus
of purpose, of focused action by a group united in its goal and labour.
The Inukshuk are the product of cooperation, teaching us that as good as
our individual efforts may be, together we can do even greater things.
Each stone is a separate entity. Each supports, and is supported
by, the one above and the one below it. No one piece is any more
or less important than another. Its strength lies in its unity.
Its significance comes from its meaning as a whole. What is true about
the Inukshuk is true about people. Each individual entity alone has
significance. As part of a team each of us supports, and is supported
by, another. We are united by our common goals, and together we are
part of a greater whole.
The stones which make up the Inukshuk are secured through balance.
They are chosen for how well they fit together. Looking at the structure
it can be easily seen that the removal of even one stone will destroy the
integrity of the whole. So, too, with a team. Each individual
in a team is necessary for the realization of the team's purpose.
The removal of even one person will result in the weakening of the structure.
What holds the team together is the balance - the complementary nature
of the individual skills.
The Inukshuk are a symbol of the human spirit. They recognize our
ability to succeed with others, where we would fail alone. They remind
us of our need to belong to something greater than ourselves. They reinforce
our ability to commit to common goals.
The Inukshuk celebrate our working together. They continue to remind
us of our inter-dependent responsibilities to invest our efforts today,
to direct a better way for all of us tomorrows.
The difference
we make today, counts in all our tomorrows.
The Meaningful
Messenger
Today, the Inukshuk are a tangible symbol of communication - a universal
means of speaking about our concerns for one another, and our dependence
on one another. Because of its history, the Inukshuk is an effective
vehicle to acknowledge and convey enlightened management and human resource
practices, the importance of personal contribution, responsible environmental
leadership and an invitation to speak with one another on a higher level
about what really matters.
Everyone needs to know they are making a difference...in their jobs, to
their colleagues...to whatever tasks they devote their time, energy and
enthusiasm. The Inukshuk act as a reminder to all of us that our
efforts are appreciated, and the difference we make today, does count in
all our tommorows. |
