With all the buzz about the new iPhone 6 I thought it was an appropriate time to discuss this topic. I have encountered this video by Simon Sinek a few times, and although he uses Apple as an example, this principle can be applied to so much more.
This principle focuses on three things: What How Why This "Golden Circle" is the reason some can inspire and others do not. Everyone knows what they do, some know how they do it, but very few know why they do what they do. Why - what is your purpose. We normally work from the outside of this golden circle in, starting with the easiest and working their way in. For those who inspire, the difference lies in starting with why and working their way out. People don't buy what you do.. They buy why you do it. |
Even better this principle is grounded in the tenants of Biology and the brain - my domain. Looking at a cross-section of our brain from above it can be divided into three parts:
1. The outer ring, our neocortex (What) our rational, analytical thought, language
2. The centre two layers contain our Limbic brain (How & Why) - trust, emotions, decision making and has no capacity for language
This means that when we communicate from the inside out we speak directly to the area of the brain that controls behaviour and then we allow people to rationalize it with the things we say and do -- this results the "gut decision" the feeling we can explain. When you lead with your 'heart' or 'soul' you're leading with the why.
1. The outer ring, our neocortex (What) our rational, analytical thought, language
2. The centre two layers contain our Limbic brain (How & Why) - trust, emotions, decision making and has no capacity for language
This means that when we communicate from the inside out we speak directly to the area of the brain that controls behaviour and then we allow people to rationalize it with the things we say and do -- this results the "gut decision" the feeling we can explain. When you lead with your 'heart' or 'soul' you're leading with the why.
This principle is something I think is important when approaching my teaching. When you start with why you are driven by a cause, a purpose, a belief. When you talk about what you believe you attract those who believe it. I am learning how important collaboration is in education and when you work with people who believe what you believe - they will be loyal, give you their blood sweat and tears.. Opposed to punching the clock and collecting their pay check. I hope to show my purpose to my students and inspire them. Those who lead inspire us, we follow those who lead because we want to - for ourselves. Those who start with why have the ability to inspire those around them or find others that inspire them.