Improve Your Career Through Leadership

Your Career

Our goal to empower you to a better financial future includes helping to improve your career.  One of my favorite creative thinkers is Simon Sinek.  He’s relatively new to the scene, but his thoughts are well articulated and more important- relevant.

 

In his Ted Talk “Start With Why”, he talks about how great leaders inspire action.  Inspiring action is relevant whether you’re driving a corporation, a development team, or simply driving yourself.  The “why” is what powers the engine, exactly what you should be trying to figure out about yourself.  For those in sales, his comment “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it”, is a fundamental key to success.  It’s probably important to note here that everyone is in sales… yes, everyone.  If you’re an employee, you are responsible to constantly ‘sell’ your boss on the idea that he should continue to employ you.  If you’re self-employed, then you’re selling to your customers and clients.

 

 

What is the Golden Circle?

Below is a depiction of Sinek’s golden circle. Most people start with the “what” questions, such as “What are we going to make?” or “What service will I provide?”  The better, more compelling question starts with “Why”.  The reason you’re doing something is always more important and will act as a compass in times when you feel like you lack clarity or direction.

Simon Sinek's Golden Circle
Take a few moments to listen to Simon’s talk and ask yourself the deep question of why.  Every person knows ‘what’ they do what they do, but very few know ‘why’.  Why do you do what you do? Why do you get out of bed every day? Is there a better question or rationale that can help drive you?  For instance, if your internal dialogue states simply that “I get out of bed every day, to work, to pay the bills…”  You’ll be driven, but at a very low level.  How different do you feel when your inner dialogue states “I get out of bed every day because I recognize so many people in America are not free… they don’t have the resources to allow freedom of choice.  I recognize that money is synonymous with freedom.  I’m waking up to help millions of people have more freedom and choice in their lives!”  Do you see the difference?
Why do you work for the company that employs you? Why do you feel the way you do about your work?