What’s Your Why?

While recently attending the annual ISM conference in Stowe, VT, I was blessed to work with headmasters, asst. headmasters and executive directors, from across the country. The purpose of our workshop was to define the many-faceted roles of the asst. headmaster and the importance of the position in supporting the mission of the school. This was a wonderful opportunity for us to share with each other the challenges, responsibilities, and realities of leading a community of learners. Our conversations covered a broad range of topics that went far beyond those dealing with operations and advancement and included building effective relationships, cultivating a strong school culture, and redesigning the traditional school model to better meet the needs of today’s students.

During this time, we also examined Simon Sinek’s concept of “The Golden Circle.” In his book, Start with Why, Sinek argues that great organizations seem to create their foundation by first addressing Why they exist, then How they go about their mission, and then finally, What they do. This idea, he purports, can be applied to both organizations (such as schools) and individuals. People don’t buy What you do or How you do it as much as they buy Why you do it. There are myriad companies that sell the same product, just as there are myriad schools that teach the same things in the same way. Those that stand apart, and are the most effective, are those who are able to convey to their constituents the value of their mission; they clearly articulate Why it is significant.

While I agree with Sinek’s argument that it is vital to understand your Why, I believe we must begin with understanding Who it is we’re serving and what needs they have that must be met. In order to do this, we must know them on a very personal level, and the best way to do that is to enter into a relationship with them. Therefore, the foundation of any successful organization, be it a business, a school, or even a classroom, must begin with forming strong relationships.

So, who are you serving? Why are you doing so? How are you doing it? What are you doing to meet their needs? 

At the end of the day, people don’t want to know what you do or how you do it, they really want to know why you exist.

- Guest Blogger, Thomas Riddle, VP & US Administrator