What’s your why?
I was recently reading about Thomas Pierpont Langley, the man who set out in the 1900’s to be the first man to pilot an airplane. Have you heard of him? Most of you would probably haven’t. But you have probably heard of Orville and Wilbur Wright. They were just a few hundred miles away working on their own flying machine. Thomas Pierpont Langley was highly regarded, and well educated including working as a mathematics professor at Harvard and had resources like no other, yet the Wright brothers didn’t have the resources and were able to pull off the unthinkable of flying the first airplane on December 17, 1903. What was the difference? It was all about a cause. Thomas Pierpont Langley was looking to be the first, while the Wright brothers were looking to change the world. It was their WHY!
We have been reading the book “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek in our CLIMB book club this month, and there are lots of stories that have similar context, like Martin Luther King when he said “I have a dream” (not I have a plan) to start a civil rights movement, and Present Kennedy when he shared his vision to put a man on the moon. You see, there are leaders, and there are those that lead. Those that lead inspire us every day.
Who are you inspiring as a leader in the new year? What is your belief or cause? One of my favorite Ted Talks is “The Golden Circle” by Simon Sinek in which he shares the importance of knowing and starting with WHY. He says “people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” Watch it now. Well worth the 5 min investment.
Many times, we read articles, watch video, and check off the box… but don’t apply, we just keep moving. However, today I want to challenge you to stop and think about your why. Write it down and share with others It’s your purpose! When our purpose and careers align, life is just better. We are more positive, we are more optimistic, we are more resourceful, we have more empathy, we have more energy, and on and on and on… It’s one of the keys to success. It’s when we believe, really believe in what we do that makes impact, makes us authentic, builds relationships and trust, and takes us to places we never dreamed.
Here is an example of my WHY… In my company, I want to “move people to inspire and change the workplace.” I do this with a commitment to continuous learning, so I can help others when relocating talent, I do this through connecting with people and resources so I can help others connect with resources, and I use my books, blog, and podcast to share the message to inspire. It’s my everyday WHY! In my volunteer role as a Texas SHRM Assistant State Director, my why is to help grow our board members and chapter leaders to help them grow SHRM chapter in communities across the great state of Texas! Why? I believe it will change their workplace and their life!
You see, when we help others grow, they will model leadership and ultimately change the workplace for everyone! But we must believe… and I believe that we can all make a difference!
What’s your why? I would enjoy you sharing. Together, we can change the workplace and the world!
Quote of the Day: “The time is always right to do what is right. Martin Luther King Jr
Call to Action: What’s your WHY? Watch the golden circle video and start with your career. Write down some ideas and share with others. You will inspire from the moment you begin!
This has been A Relocation Minute on “What’s your why” with Bruce Waller, for more information, call 972-389-5673, or email bwaller@goarmstrong.com or check out my social media Facebook and Twitter page. Also, check out www.BruceWaller.com to review my leadership book “Find Your Lane” and journal “Milemarkers” both available on amazon. Be sure to subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel for weekly messages to encourage you and others in the workplace! Looking for a Podcast? Check out “Life in the Leadership Lane” on APPLE PODCAST as I talk to leaders making a difference in the workplace!