Simon Sinek is onto something with finding your why

Leaders who are part of our coaching or training programs get to work through why they do leadership. My observations are that at least 90% of the leaders we work with haven’t done the exercise of clarifying why they lead other humans… 

As a leader, your team doesn’t buy into what you do or how you do it. They buy into why you do it (thanks Simon Sinek). But if you don’t know why you do leadership, how can you share that with others. 

It is such an important concept, let’s unpack why (so to speak)! 

Firstly, though… 

If it is so important understand your why, what is the reason that so many leaders have never thought about it? When I ask leaders why you do leadership the three most common answer are 1) Because I was on the spot, and no-one else wanted to fill in, 2) Because I was a good technician, and 3) Because it pays more. And I get it, these three are the main reasons that people end up leading other humans. Cool. 

But when you are there, surely the importance of the role kicks in, given that after parenting, leadership is the second most important role on planet earth. Surely leaders sit back and think about why they put themselves through the daily hustle of leading. Which can be lonely. Apparently, they don’t very often. Maybe it is a business thing, or that they just never get around to it. 

Not that quickly… 

I won’t let you off that easily. Sorry in advance. No excuses. Accountability. Take the time, make the effort, and put the thinking into why leadership is your calling (if it is). Then share that with your team.  

And let it drive your behavior. 

It really does make a difference 

And if you do the exercise properly, you will be amazed at how much value you get from it. We have hundreds of examples of leaders going from wide-eyed to confident in sharing their why. The secret is simple, and thanks again Simon Sinek.  

Grab a pen and paper. Think about your leadership. Start with the two words ‘I believe’. Then keep writing. Finish the sentence at least 3 times, and then not only write it but feel it. Feel just how important those beliefs (and values) are. 

And when you know that your beliefs drive your behavior, you can be true to yourself when you are leading. By stepping into your why.  

This really is a powerful process. And check out Simon Sinek’s work for more information.

Unlock your why

If you need some help with this, please book a call, and we can spend 30 minutes chatting through it. It will be the best 30 minutes you spend on yourself.  Here is a link to jump into my calendar:

About Anton 

Leaders struggle with their mental health, too... Often finding it difficult to lead under pressure. 

Anton is an entrepreneur, speaker, consultant, bestselling author, and founder of The Guinea Group. Over the past 15 years, with over 150+ global organizations, he has inspired workplace leadership, safety, and cultural change. He’s achieved this by combining his corporate expertise, education (Bachelor of Psychology), and infectious energy. 

Get in touch with Anton today.