Last Updated on 7 March 2017

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The statue of David is one of the most recognizable pieces of art and is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture.

It was carved by Michelangelo (Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni), towers at 17-feet (5.17 meters) tall, took just over three years to complete, and was unveiled in 1504.

It was such an impressive piece in both content (David about to fight Goliath) and form (representing strength and beauty) that it became an icon of pride for the Florentine Republic in a time when they were fighting their surrounding rival states. Today it confidently stands in the Gallery of the Academy of the Art of Design (Galleria dell’Accademia) in Florence.

David is an inspiration to view.

Even more interesting…

It was turned into a work of art from a ‘discarded’ block of marble that had been quarried 40 years earlier. The stone contains a fault… microscopic holes that cause the marble to deteriorate faster than higher-quality marble. Two other sculptors started to carve it… but abandoned their projects.

At 26 years old, Michelangelo convinced the powers that were that he deserved the commission and was awarded the contract.

That was over 500 years ago… we’re still in awe.

What’s this have to do with marketing? Ideas? Innovation? Work?

Where is discarded marble at your business? What is that overlooked masterpiece needing a bit of mallet, chisel, and sanding?

Is it a product? – You should ask to manage it.
Is it an abandoned project? – You should serve as the champion.
Is it a person? – You should coach them and share your success skills.

I know… I know… It’s not your job, right? But that’s what everyone else is saying. Are there to collect a paycheck or to make a difference?

So, you don’t have to create something that stands 17-feet tall and serves as an icon of pride for your company… But wouldn’t it be cool if you did?