The Golden Circle is one of the most impactful concepts in recent publication. The concept comes from Simon Sinek’s book, Start with Why. In the book, Sinek argues that “why,” or the purpose and reason behind everything you or your company does, is central but often forgotten. Instead, people get what Sinek’s message inside out.
Instead of thinking about why we do what we do, we usually start with what we’re doing, figure out how we’re going to do it, and try to explain later to ourselves and others why we did what we did. Today, we’re going to explain The Golden Circle and explain how it can be used in your business.
Start with Why
“Every company, organization or group with the ability to inspire starts with a person or small group of people who were inspired to do something bigger than themselves. Gaining clarity of WHY, ironically, is not the hard part. It is the discipline to trust one’s gut, to stay true to one’s purpose, cause or beliefs.”-Simon Sinek, Start with Why
Before you decide what you’re going to do or try to accomplish, start by dreaming about what inspires you. You might have a passion for other people, or for discovering new things on the brink of innovation. What is it that drives you to do your favorite things? Your answer is probably your why.
Move On to the How
“For values or guiding principles to be truly effective they have to be verbs. It’s not ‘integrity,’ it’s ‘always do the right thing.’ It’s not ‘innovation,’ it’s ‘look at the problem from a different angle.’” -Simon Sinek, Start with Why
Why is only important if it’s set into motion. Before getting to the result, we have to think about what it takes to get there, also known as the how. Your how should be an extension of your why that gives you a plan of how to achieve it. For instance, if your why is helping the underprivileged children of the world, your how might be forming a nonprofit daycare that gives children everyday toiletries and supplies.
End with the What
“The only way people will know what you believe is by the things you say and do, and if you’re not consistent in the things you say and do, no one will know what you believe.”-Simon Sinek, Start with Why
Finally, the last part is the what. The what is the proof of your why. If the result of your hard work reflects your why, it means that you have a strong what, as well. Your what can include the tasks you’re going to complete to move towards your why. Even though most people start here, ending with what will make sure that everything you do has meaning.
Taking the time to think through The Golden Circle will re-energize your employees and bring a whole new light to your business. Read the best selling book, and then get in touch with us. We’ll put your why to good work.