Category Archives: Why

Community, Leadership, Meaning, Purpose, Why

You Need a ‘Why’!

IMG_2581

“People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” —Simon Sinek

By Elizabeth Stincelli, DM

 

Why ‘Why’?

Whether you realize it or not, your success is driven by your passion. Success isn’t about money, who you know, or where you come from; it stems from a fire burning deep in your soul. Success comes from knowing ‘why’ you do what you do and then being loyal to that ‘why’ in your words and actions. A strong ‘why’ spurs you to action, engages your employees, and commands greater loyalty from customers. Your ‘why’ is the spark that differentiates you from the crowd. If you need more reasons why you need to know your ‘why’, here are a few to get you started.

Purpose

John F. Kennedy said, “Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.” Your ‘why’ provides the purpose and direction that gives not only you, but the people you work with something to believe in for the long-run. It appeals to others on an emotional level and makes work feel less like work and more like purpose. When you demonstrate your ‘why’ you show the world that you stand for something. It boosts people’s confidence in you when they know that your ‘why’ is guiding your decisions and actions.

Meaning

Les Brown believes, “Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals, and charge after them in an unstoppable manner.”  We all want to know that our work has meaning; that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. A powerful ‘why’ lets you know you are making a difference. Meaning spurs people to put forth their best efforts in pursuit of a collective project and proves that our efforts have value to a greater cause. Knowing and adhering to your ‘why’ infuses everything you do with meaning.

Community

Whether you agree with Paul Ryan’s politics or not, he hit the nail on the head when he said, “Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of persons working together.” Community gives people a sense of belonging. Your ‘why’ has the potential to bring about a sense of community that can drive results by motivating and inspiring others to act in the best interest of the whole. When your ‘why’ is visible through your words and actions you will attract a community of like-minded individuals who will support your efforts and celebrate your successes.

Discover Your ‘Why’

William Barclay told us, “There are two great days in a person’s life – the day we are born and the day we discover why.” Your ‘why’ not only impacts you on an individual level, but your employees, your organization, your community, and your overall success. Let your passion drive you. Infuse your actions with a meaning that will make you stand out from the crowd. Discover your ‘why’ and you will attract a community of supporters that will spur you on to success.

 

 

© 2015 Elizabeth Stincelli

 

Elizabeth Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the CEO of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations engage employees and improve organizational culture. Elizabeth holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.

Learn more about Elizabeth by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.

 

Focus, Mission, Motivation, Why

What is Your Personal Mission?

footprint beach sand MGD©

“Outstanding people have one thing in common: An absolute sense of mission.” —Zig Ziglar

By Elizabeth Stincelli, DM

 

You Are on a Mission

Maya Angelou told us about her mission, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” Whether you have given conscious thought to it or not, you are on a mission. Others come to know your mission by watching your behaviors. Your mission serves as your guiding light. It helps people understand who you are, what is important to you, and what you want to accomplish. It guides your values, vision, and goals. Make sure you are following your mission by design and not default. Give some thought to the following factors.

Why

Simon Sinek explained, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” Your “why” is as important to you as it is to others. Your “why” is the foundation with which your decisions and actions are based. Make sure you have given it some real thought. What is important to you? Do you understand why you’re doing what you’re doing? Are your words and actions in line with your “why”? Your “why” provides the underpinning for your mission.

Motivation

Lou Holtz said, “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” What is your motivation? Our dreams come true when we are motivated enough to take action. What do you want bad enough to put in the hard work necessary to achieve or acquire? Why is it so important to you? Knowing your personal mission will provide you with motivation and strength to keep you going when times get tough.

Focus

Tony Robbins tells us, “One reason so few of us achieve what we truly want is that we never direct our focus; we never concentrate our power. Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular.” Identify where you are focusing in every area of your life. Where is your family focus? Your educational focus? Your community focus? Your career focus? Identify where you are, where you want to go, and where your focus needs to be to get there. Your mission should guide your focus.

 Legacy

Jan Brewer stated, “My mother always told me that as you go through life, no matter what you do, or how you do it, you leave a little footprint, and that’s your legacy.” Intentional or not, you are leaving a little footprint. What would you like people to associate with your name? When you have a clear picture of the legacy you would like to leave you are more engaged in creating it. When you live your mission, you create your legacy.

What is Your Personal Mission?

Viktor E. Frankl understood that each of us has a personal mission when he said, “Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone’s task is unique as his specific opportunity to implement it.” You are important. Your personal mission is important. Your mission should emphasize who you are not just what you want to accomplish.

Jan Bruce explained, “Purpose is the thing that will keep you afloat no matter how the tide turns.” You can’t build something meaningful without a sense purpose and a mission to guide you. Your mission serves as a moral compass to help you make the right decisions about what to do and why to do it. Remember, you are on a mission. Make it a good one.

 

© 2014 Elizabeth Stincelli

 

Elizabeth Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the CEO of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations engage employees and improve organizational culture. Elizabeth holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.

Learn more about Elizabeth by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.