Are you in need of some inspiration? Have you been wondering why your team isn’t more invested in their work? Are you struggling to describe your service or product in a way that captures attention? If so, then, please set aside a few minutes to watch Simon Sinek’s TED talk on “How Great Leaders Inspire Action”. Through his work, Sinek recognized that all great, inspiring leaders and organizations, think, act and communicate in the same way. This led to his discovery of what he calls “the golden circle”, which is a simple but game changing insight.
The Golden Circle
Imagine three concentric circles. Why? is in the inner circle. How? is in the middle circle. What? is in the outer circle. Every person and every organization knows what they do. There’s usually no doubt around that. Some can also tell you how they do it. Sometimes this is referred to as the value proposition or what makes them unique. However, a very, very small percentage can tell you why they do what they do. Contrary to popular belief, the “why” doesn’t have anything to do with making money, though monetary success tends to come to those who can uncover the “why”. The “why” is about the answers to the following questions: What gets you up in the morning? What’s the belief that drives you each day? What is your purpose?
When we aren’t clear on the “why”, then we communicate from the outside in. We focus on the “what” and the “how”. Honestly, the “what” and the “how”, by themselves, aren’t very inspiring. When we think, act and communicate from the inside out, like those inspired leaders and organizations, we connect with others who believe what we believe and we capture other’s minds and hearts. As Sinek states, “people don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it”.
Implication for You
So what is the implication for leaders? No matter the size of your team or the company you work in or own, true leadership involves inspiring and energizing those with whom you work and interact. I invite you to get in touch with your “why”. What is it that you believe in that gets you up and out every day? How will you share this with your team – to inspire deep commitment? How will you share this with your customers – to inspire long term relationships?
To hear more directly from Simon Sinek, including business examples and the science behind his theory, please click on this link.
Call to Action
If you’d like to share your “why”, please do so in the comments section.
About the Author: Sherry Dutra is a Talent Development and Career Coach and Facilitator who believes we each have far more potential than we typically tap in to. She helps you learn how to step into your full potential so you can create consistent, optimal performance for yourself and your team with less stress and more enjoyment. If you would like to uncover and address hidden challenges that may be sabotaging your success, leverage your strengths, and accelerate your progress toward the results you desire, contact Sherry for a complimentary consultation.
I will mention my looooong history of design and service for one reason; namely to support my compliments to your interesting article.
Through various and many experiences in the world of service, design and beyond the “reason behind the rules” has been the starting point for empowering any and all actions. Allowing for the hallmarks of consideration and selfless service to be manifest with good energy and spirit. Why is wonderful and the sweet question my grandchildren never stop asking. Why? H-mmmmm very important.