Recently I found myself reviewing some writings. Mine and others. I observe that most of it is tactical in nature. “What to”. “How to”. Not so much about the more strategic, “Why to”. It occurs to me that if we remember and focus on the “Why to” a little bit, the rest might make itself reasonably clear.
For purposes of this discussion I shall associate the “Why to” with those motivations we had when we decided to start our business. I suspect there are at least as many reasons for starting a business as there are businesses… Make money. Live our passion. Recently became unemployed. Last boss was a boob, if he can do it, I can do it better. Turn hobby into a profession. Can’t dance. Better than jail. Etc…
Therefore, please pause a moment and recall that moment when you made the decision. Re-live the excitement, stomach acid, terror, sense of adventure. Then recall the day you got the keys, opened the door and thought “what in #%^^ did I just do?”. Then you got down to it and began to build your business. Regardless of whether you started from scratch or purchased an existing business, you received your first customer. Recall how you tried to make sure that this customer was very happy with what he purchased from you and would tell all of his friends to visit your store and purchase from you as well.
A leader will make sure that these “Why” feelings (motivations) are the foundation for every transaction with every consumer. That these feelings inform every business decision we make and every business action we undertake. That each member of the staff works similarly to make consumers want to call us tomorrow and thank us for such a great hifi and then tell all of their friends about it with great enthusiasm.
If you have read this far you have recognized there is no rocket science in these contemplations. BUT I perceive we are often overwhelmed in chasing the tactical “what to and how to” challenges of the day.
Now and again it is useful to reflect on the more strategic “WHY”. If you can do this and then build the “WHY” into the culture of your business, I contend the “what to and how to” challenges will be much easier to overcome. You will hear a lot less “OK I did that, now what do you want me to do” and a lot more “this is what I did, this is what it got us and now I am going to do…”
If your staff understands “Why to”, there is a greater likelihood that their “What to” and “How to” actions will lead toward your goals.
