I’m part of Generation X. We’re the kids that were born between 1965 – 1980. We’re the current band of leadership that is raising families and running businesses. We have a tremendous influence on how we shape the minds of our youth and a responsibility to right the economy. Lately, I find myself disgusted with my peers. No matter what role we’re in, it seems like we’ve lost our way…or more precisely, we’ve lost our WHY.
Simon Sinek is a TED speaker and a published author of, “Start With Why”. The theory behind his work is based on how great leaders inspire action. He calls their approach, “The Golden Circle – Why, How, What”. Take a pen and paper. Draw 3 circles; each circle surrounding the next. The inner circle is Why, the next circle is How, and the outer circle is What.
Gen X’ers… What DO we stand for??!
Today, most people and organizations make their decisions from the outside circle in. We focus on what we need to do, how we’re going to do it, to fulfill the reason of why we’re doing it in the first place! This is a misaligned model that puts self-interest and profit first…mission and purpose second. The effect of this type of leadership has led to the downfall of business, and a stalled economy that just won’t budge.
So what do we need to do to get back our WHY? Whatever your role is within your organization – entry level, mid-senior or CEO, reverse the order!
WHY?
Why do you get up and go to work? Why are you an important part of your company? Why is it important to “serve”, to meet the needs of other’s, and support the company overall? Do you BELIEVE in the mission of your organization?
HOW?
How will you go about fulfilling your company’s mission? Who will you collaborate with…you can’t succeed alone! How will you “Dare to Disagree” …Allowing all voices to be heard and not let your egotistical emotions of anxiety and frustration get in the way? The HOW is where the juice is… It’s the heart of an organization’s mojo. It’s where change happens!
WHAT?
What are your goals?…Short term and long term? You need to have a structure to your daily approach. Expectations and deadlines are necessary to keep you focused on your end-game. Statistical reporting allows you to see results!
Quotes from Simon Sinek
“If you hire people just because they can do a job, they’ll work for your money. But if you hire people who believe what you believe, they’ll work for you with blood and sweat and tears.”
“People don’t buy what you do; people buy why you do it.”
Quotes from the late Michael Jackson:
“I’m starting with the Man In the Mirror…I’m Asking Him to Change His Ways. And No Message Could’ve Been Any Clearer, If You Wanna Make the World a Better Place…Take A Look At Yourself And Then Make That . . .Change!”
4 Comments
Hi Kathleen,
this is a really topic and it creates a huge sense of interest when I raise it with my clients (here in ireland), from my conversations who would be considered traditional in terms of their management style and day to day culture its forcing them to reexamine their recruitment and selection process , there on boarding and even driving them to put more emphasis on their pace to be seen as more creative and innovative in their product design and service delivery in order to attract the new millenials.
have you found that
Change is inevitable…how we deal with it is the question? 🙂
Hi Kathleen,
This is a great post and a good topic for Generation X. I think that get left out of the conversation way too often. I’m forwarding your blog post on to a good friend of mine who writes alot about Generation X topics. Her name is Jennifer James and she has a blog at http://www.jenx67.com.
Thanks for the blog. I enjoy reading your content! Let’s connect by phone soon.
JMM
For sure Jessica! I would love to catch up with you….860-869-8468…or let me know how to contact with you!
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