Elizabeth  Harson Responding to Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action.

According to Sinek, there is a pattern.  All great and inspiring leaders and/or companies think, act and communicate in the same way and it is the opposite of others.

He created a code for this thinking called, The Golden Circle. With the “why” as the center of the circle.

WHAT:  What you do.

HOW: How you do it.

Why: Your cause, belief and/or purpose

He says most people:

·        Know what they do

·        How they do it

·        But few know why

The inspired operate first with “why”.  They have a purpose or a belief for doing something.  He says people will not “buy” what you do, but the “why” you do it.

Sinek said, the goal is not to do business with every person who wants to buy what you have, but the goal is do business with those people who believe what you believe.  He supports this with brain research.  Then, goes on to say that the goal is not to hire people who need a job, but hire those who believe what you believe.  In doing so, if you hire those who need a job, they will work for your money, but if you hire someone who has your beliefs, they will work for you with blood, sweat, and tears.  They will be the ones who will be loyal to your organization. 

There are leaders and there are those who lead.  Leaders hold a position of power or authority, but those who lead inspire us whether they are individuals or organizations.  We follow those who lead, not because we have to but we follow them for ourselves and what we believe. Sinek says it is those who start with “why” that have the ability to inspire those around them or the ability to find others who inspire.

I definitely see that those teachers who are most passionate about teaching are the ones I am most attracted to in terms of having the best working relationships with.  Maybe that is due to having common beliefs.  In the leadership role, I do see how that is true with hiring the right person in the right setting could come into play.  Those who believe what you believe, will give it their all.