Welcome back to Continuous Improvement, the podcast dedicated to personal and professional growth. I’m your host, Victor, and today we’re diving into the concept of starting with “why.”

In a recent blog post, I explored the idea of beginning any task or request by asking for the reason behind it. Simon Sinek, in his book “Start with Why,” emphasizes the importance of understanding our deeper motivations, as it enables us to make better decisions, stay motivated, and effectively communicate our message to others.

Sinek introduces the concept of the “Golden Circle,” which consists of three concentric circles: why, how, and what. The outer circle represents what an organization or individual does, the middle circle explains how they do it, and the innermost circle expresses why they do it. According to Sinek, starting with “why” inspires and engages others on an emotional level.

At my company, Thought Machine, where we are building the future of banking, the Golden Circle is a crucial framework for us. It helps our team align our goals and truly understand the purpose behind our work.

But why does starting with “why” matter? Well, Sinek’s statement, “People don’t buy WHAT you do; they buy WHY you do it,” holds truth in today’s world. Customers are not just looking for a product or service; they are seeking a connection with a company that shares their values. By starting with “why,” we can articulate our purpose clearly and connect with our clients on a deeper level.

In fact, this concept extends beyond companies. As individuals, understanding our “why” can help us clarify our own identities. It serves as a unifying force within organizations, aligning employees, partners, and customers around a shared vision.

Take Apple, for example, a company that starts with “why.” Their focus on innovation, design, and user experience has earned them global trust and respect. By prioritizing their “why,” they have attracted top talent and fostered loyalty among customers, employees, and partners.

So, how can we apply this concept in our own lives? Whether you’re a software developer building a feature or a consultant providing services, understanding the “why” behind what you do is just as important as the “what.” Knowing your purpose can help you deliver value beyond expectations and build lasting relationships.

Starting with “why” also fosters trust and connection. When people perceive that you are genuinely committed to a larger cause, they are more likely to trust and work collaboratively with you. Trust is crucial, especially in industries undergoing transformation, like the banking sector we operate in at Thought Machine.

So, what’s your “why”? Take the time to reflect on your deeper motivations and let them guide your actions. Remember, starting with “why” can unlock a world of possibilities and lead you to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

That’s it for today’s episode of Continuous Improvement. I hope you found value in exploring the concept of starting with “why.” Join me next time as we continue our journey towards personal and professional growth.

Thank you for listening to Continuous Improvement. Make sure to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review to help us reach more listeners. You can also follow us on social media for daily inspiration and updates. Until next time, keep growing, keep improving.

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