Your answer depends on the purpose you find and the contribution you make in your work. 

The best example comes from three bricklayers rebuilding St. Paul’s Cathedral after the Great Fire of London in 1666. 
 
The famous architect Christopher Wren was given the monumental task of rebuilding the Cathedral. One day, he visited the construction site and saw three bricklayers working. He decided to talk to each one without revealing who he was. 
 
He walked up to the first bricklayer, who was crouched down, and asked, “What are you doing?” 
 
The bricklayer replied, “I’m a bricklayer. I’m working hard laying bricks to feed my family.” 
 
Wren then approached the second bricklayer, who was half-standing, and asked him the same question. 
 
The second man said, “I’m a builder. I’m building a wall.” 
 
Finally, Wren went to the third bricklayer, who was standing tall and working with enthusiasm. He asked, “What are you doing?” 
 
The third man responded, “I’m a cathedral builder. I’m building a great cathedral to The Almighty.” 
 
The first bricklayer saw his job as just a way to make a living, the second saw it as simply building a wall, but the third saw himself as part of something much greater. 
 
Today’s workplace mirrors that. Surveys show that while 85 percent of executives feel a sense of purpose in their work, only 15 percent of frontline employees do. This highlights an important job for leaders: helping every employee see their work as an important contribution to a bigger mission. 
 
Leaders need to make sure that everyone on their team, from the bricklayers to the executives, sees themselves as cathedral builders. They need to see how their work contributes to a grand vision that goes beyond their individual roles. When people understand how their daily tasks fit into the larger goals of the organization, they’re more likely to be motivated and productive. 

One executive I know shares Facebook posts from their customers showing how the things they build are used to make a difference in the world. A school construction company invites school leaders to visit the company and share stories about the impact their new spaces have on kids’ education. 
 
By helping employees connect their daily tasks to a larger purpose, leaders can create a more motivated, productive, and unified organization. When employees feel valued and understand how their work makes a difference, they’re more committed and engaged. This sense of purpose strengthens the organizational culture and drives better overall performance. 

So, if you are a leader, how does your team view their work? As putting just another brick in the wall? Or building a cathedral?