Great things start from the inside.
We’re happier when we understand why we’re doing the things we do. At work for instance, when we understand our organisation’s purpose, we have a direction to head, a focus that’s driven from the core and a clear goal to shoot at.
A simple concept really, yet it’s often incredibly undervalued and opportunities to shine sadly slip away.
The difference between a person, a team or an entire business that’s conventional and one that’s remarkable can come down to just one simple word – Why.
Simon Sinek’s acclaimed TED Talk on how great leaders inspire action has had over 22 million views. In it he shares a simple but remarkably powerful model for inspirational leadership.
The Why, How, What idea demonstrates why some organisations can inspire while others simply can’t.
Sinek’s ‘Golden Circle’ is now commonly used in marketing strategies, yet it’s interesting how we can also relate it to our roles because the Golden Circle is all about better communication.
When we communicate with others and start from the outside with the What and the How we are sharing features, benefits and factual information but this approach is two-dimensional, it lacks emotion, fails to inspire. When we reverse this and start with the Why, we define our purpose, our cause and our belief. That’s when we begin to drive action, inspire others, set the world on fire.
When we communicate with our colleagues using a constant flow of Why conversations they respond positively because they’re driven by a cause. It’s essential if we want to inspire and engage our employees. Take what’s on the inside – our purpose and our beliefs and bring them to life. When it comes to happiness, It’s the Why that will make the difference. When employees understand the organisation’s purpose, they can believe. A well-defined and regularly communicated Why can lead to more enjoyable, more rewarding work and subsequently more engaged and effective employees.
‘When it comes to employee happiness, It’s the WHY that makes the difference’ (Tweet this!)
People are happier when they know why they are doing what they are doing which is why internal communications that centre on the Why can have such a persuasive impact. When teams are connected with common goals, understanding each other’s purpose, individuals and organisations forget conventional – they become remarkable. Sounds simple? It really is! And it’s the simple things in life that are often the most powerful.
Examine the purpose of your organisation, the vision that’s communicated to employees each and every day. Does it really focus on Why you exist? Why they should care?
It’s those that start with Why who really shine the brightest.
