The Agile Daily Standup - AgileDad The Janitor at NASA
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Oct 17, 2025 During the space race, a janitor at NASA told JFK he was helping to put a man on the moon, highlighting the importance of purpose in every job. The conversation explores how this perspective embodies servant leadership and aligns with Agile principles. Listeners are encouraged to redefine their roles with a single impactful sentence, aiming for a deeper connection to their work. It's a powerful reminder that every role contributes to a larger mission, making every task significant.
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Janitor’s Moonshot Moment
- President John F. Kennedy asked a janitor why he was working late at NASA and got a memorable reply.
- The janitor answered, "Mr. President, I'm helping to put a man on the moon."
Meaning In Everyday Tasks
- Small, humble tasks gain meaning when connected to a larger purpose and mission.
- A clean environment enabled engineers to work effectively and protected delicate equipment.
Quiet Servant Leadership
- The story highlights servant leadership: leaders create conditions for others to thrive, often quietly.
- Respecting people means recognizing everyone's work as meaningful regardless of title.