June Managers’ Message
Vision—Modern and Ancient
Shah Jahan’s heart broke. His beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, had passed in giving birth to his 14th child. After a year of grieving for his beloved wife, the Shah announced he would construct a building to immortalize his beautiful wife. This building was built, taking 12 years (1632-1644) and employing tens of thousands of full-time laborers. Nearly 400 years later, this building embodies the pride of India and stands as one of the wonders of the world. We call it the Taj Mahal.
The Manchus and Mongols were attacking. After several losses to these nomadic tribes the emperor of the Ming Dynasty decided to take a different tact. There had to be a better way to protect the people of his kingdom. In the 1400’s it was decided that the Ming Dynasty would erect a wall, even a great wall, to protect its borders from these attacking tribes. Their work would last hundreds of years and would according to some claim millions of Chinese lives. Today this great wall spans over 4,000 miles, in some areas standing 20-30 feet above the mountainous landscape it protects.
Whether it be the great Sha Jahan of India or the great emperor of the Ming Dynasty, the leaders who undertook these great projects saw these great structures in their mind. They had a vision of what needed to be accomplished. Be it protection or love, they had an emotional reason to pursue such goals, and they went about making that goal a reality. Their vision required the cooperation of thousands, if not millions, but somehow they were able to gain the trust and belief of those who helped create these great edifices.
I recently went with a group of 16 other MBA students to visit businesses and cultural sites throughout India and China. During our 17-day journey, we visited equally impressive modern day great works—Disneyland, TATA Motors, Marico, and Home Depot. TATA Motors was started in 1945 by Jamshedji Nussarwanji Tata when he began manufacturing locomotives in India. TATA now boasts annual revenue of $62.5 billion and profits of $5.4 billion. Hong Kong Disneyland is the mirror image of its sister park in Anaheim. Built in 2005, Hong Kong Disney has brought smiles to over 15 million visitors, many of whom are repeat customers. Marico was started as a commercial oil manufacturer, but now holds some of India’s best-known consumer brands and touts revenue of $477 million.
Each of these modern day marvels is organized because of the vision of some great leader. Whether building the Taj Mahal or building the TATA Motors empire, these great works required the foresight of a leader, the execution of those who believe in that vision, and the consistent labour towards that end goal.
Our endeavours are no less great. We are passionate about helping people. We know TAHITIAN NONI™ Juice helps people who drink it—it’s been shown in study after study. We believe people can experience financial benefits from our business. So what holds us back?
Such great works started somewhere. It may have been a pile of dirt on the top of a mountain in China that started the Great Wall. It was probably a few stacked bricks that started the Taj Mahal. It was probably a quick sketch of Mickey Mouse that started Disneyland. Whatever it was, when others saw the work, they could then envision the end product themselves. They then wanted to be a part of it. It takes activity for others to see what the visionary sees. The visionary creates cues that help others believe. When others believe, they will join you.
Your business probably starts with a sip of TNJ. You experience results. You tell others. They want to experience the same benefits. You start to receive some financial benefits from TNI. Others want to be a part of that. Your group grows. You collect the stories of those in your group whose lives have changed because of TNI or TNJ. They begin to grow and experience financial benefits. Soon your group is so large you can’t keep up with everyone’s names anymore. You’re telling your story and the stories of those in your group, drinking TNJ, and helping others. Soon, you’re doing this full time and loving it. And to think… this all started with a sip of TNJ.
I challenge you to recreate the vision that brought you to Tahitian Noni. I challenge you to begin today to create something that can help others believe. I challenge you to lead your organizations. I challenge you to help others. If you do, the rewards will supersede a simple juice company. You will be creating a wonder of the world. You will be creating a legacy.
Buck McMurray
Taj Mahal photo by Vivek Chugh (sxc.hu); Disneyland photo by pardigm (sxc.hu)
Golden Triangle India
/ February 8, 2012Taj Mahal Tours is one of the seven wonders of the world and it is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals….