Deadlines. Goals. Metrics. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the work we do and the need to do it better, faster and stronger.
We are so focused on the "who, what, when and where" that we lose sight of the "why."
The “why” is the driving force for what you do and how you do it. It’s the reason you get out of bed in the morning – the goal that propels professionals to give their best, work cooperatively with others and keep going even when things get rough.
How do you figure out your “why?”
I started by reflecting on the opportunities and accomplishments in my past that gave me the most joy and satisfaction. I considered my own core values and ethics that guide my personal life and my work. You might think about how your work has created relationships or allowed you to pursue new interests. However you approach it, try to condense your “why” into no more than three distinct points – anything more than that gets diluted.
I recently shared my “why” with my team at C2 Strategic Communications. When I launched the company, I had three clear objectives:
- To help people tell their stories.
- To work with other communicators and leaders striving to make communities better.
- To support my family.
Each day, I look forward to three things:
- To learn something new.
- To share an insight that’s valuable to someone else.
- To make a positive difference for our clients, our community and my coworkers.
Share your "why."
Sharing your “why” is an effective way to start a conversation with your co-workers that will lead to growth and understanding. Inviting your teammates to share their “why” will help you all understand the motivations that go beyond making money, achieving personal success, maintaining your health and supporting your family and way of life.
Finding your “why” is important not just for your company’s health but for your own well-being. Spend some time finding your “why” and then start sharing it!
