Start with Why

Posted By: Dave Opton
Filed Under: execunet, dave opton, passion, simon senek, matt youngquist, business leadership, career horizons, start with why

Comments (1)

It used to be tough enough to pick a few columnists to follow, but when blogging grew into a hydra it became impossible to pick "just a few." Indeed, even if you wrote off the millions who make you wish for a universal "block and report" spam button, there is still so much "good" stuff that one could not begin with any organized approach, and even if there were a "system" I am too undisciplined to have followed it.

I have to say that despite all the issues we face in the country on more levels than I can count, I am encouraged by what seems like a never-ending stream of creative, thoughtful, and often very insightful writing that I come across either by chance or because someone sends me a link they think I would be interested in.

Such was the case when I discovered Matt Youngquist's blog, Career Horizons: The Blog! Given that I am a recovering HR person of some 40+ years and the fact that ExecuNet is deeply committed to the career and business challenges of the senior level executive, that I would want to check out a blog with Career Horizons as its moniker is no surprise. If you haven't had a chance to check it out, I would. You can tell by the way Matt writes that he is a "giver" not a "taker" which by definition makes me a fan.

Recently, he ran a piece he called Leadership, Wherefore Art Thou? and among the links included to help him make his point was one that took the reader to the TED site and an 18 minute talk given in 2009 by Simon Sinek called How Great Leaders Inspire Action. His talk was the result of a book he wrote around his theory called Start With Why. My guess is that many readers here have heard of it and/or read it. If not, put it on your summer reading list or listen to the TED talk.

I think that most of us who find ourselves in leadership roles struggle with the challenges, and maybe this is the reason why Sinek's approach resonated so profoundly and reminded me of exactly why it is that people so often have said to me, "Boy, Dave, it is really clear that you are passionate about what you do!" Usually when they say that, I can't figure out what they have seen or heard that makes them feel that way. When I listened to Sinek's talk, I realized again where all that comes from. What they sense and feel is (for good or ill) so much a part of who I am, that I don't even think about it — which is why I am surprised when they say it.

It doesn't come from what we as a company do or how we do it — although both make me very excited and proud — that is hardly unique. I am sure that any business leader would feel the same way. So where does the inspiration/passion come from?

If you have listened to Sinek's talk you already know, if you haven't listened it'd be better for you to do so rather than me trying to put it into words here. He is far more eloquent than I.

It is indeed all about the why.

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Dave Opton's avatar Dave Opton
Dave Opton founded ExecuNet in 1988 to provide a trusted environment where senior-level executives could build career opportunities by facilitating connections to other executives, experts and key market insights. Dave has drawn upon his 35 years of experience in human resources to develop and grow what has become the leading business and career membership network for executives and senior managers. A widely recognized executive career management expert, Dave is regularly quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Business Week, Fortune, Fast Company, and other leading business publications. Mr. Opton received his BA from Indiana University. Dave blogs at Six Figure Learnings