GLEANING a lesson of leadership from the LEANING Tower of Pisa

I’ve always been fascinated by things around us that are unique and provide us with a way to look at the world with a fresh and new perspective. Architecture has always brought about that curiosity for me: The Egyptian Pyramids, Stonehenge, The Gateway Arch, and The Leaning Tower of Pisa.

How did they build it? What has it last? What does it symbolize? How does it keep from falling over?

Today, I want to focus on The Leaning Tower of Pisa. For those of you who are in love with data, I’ll share a bit of it from a recent research study I ran across.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Between the 13th and 20th centuries, the Leaning Tower of Pisa’s tilt increased by 5.7 degrees of movement in total. But since the 1990s, that incline has reverted roughly 1.5 degrees back toward center, thanks to a project meant to stabilize the landmark and prevent its potential collapse. The engineering operation was launched in 1990, marking the third attempt at straightening the tower. Two prior efforts were made in 1838 and 1934, but the failure of those attempts actually added to the precarious incline. But the third time, not only did engineers succeed, but the tower also continued to straighten afterward.

The stabilization process involved installing counterweights on the tower’s north side so the structure would tilt back toward an upright position. Engineers also extracted soil from the higher side of the foundation and used steel cables to pull the building upright. By 2001, the incline was reduced by 15 inches and measured around 4 degrees — less than the first recorded measurement from 1817 of 4.9 degrees. Engineers considered the project a success, and a 2005 assessment declared the tower safe for the next 300 years.

But even though the stabilization project itself ended in 2001, the tower continued to lean toward a more upright position due to the unstable soil underneath. By 2018, the landmark had straightened an additional 1.6 inches, according to a study conducted by an Italian preservation organization. Researchers at Stuttgart University believe the tower will continue to straighten, though the landmark will likely start to lean back toward the south over time due to its weak foundation. While a precise timeline is hard to pinpoint, some engineers estimate the tower will remain stable for at least 200 years, but additional stabilization work may be required thereafter.

What can we learn from this in our own life and leadership journey?

• When things seem unstable, it is good to get some outside perspective and expertise to help assess the situation.

• Just because something is not perfect doesn't mean it isn’t valuable, worthwhile, or even something that brings awe and joy to the world.

• Tending to the foundational elements that we need in order to stabilize are crucial to our long term health and satisfaction.

• Perspective begets perspective, Each new view opens our minds to seeing more possibilities, enhancing and expanding our understanding of reality, and unveiling new opportunities.

Maybe it is time for you to lean in and reflect on where you need support to keep you stable? Seeking or asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It is a reflection of someone willing to do the work and tend to the things that will allow them/you to be healthy, productive, and lasting.