Getting to the ‘WHY’
One of the areas to which I insist we allocate sufficient focus with a new coaching client, is the importance of the “why” in setting any career or workplace goal.
Indeed, the head of an international training organisation I spoke with recently says, “When you know WHY, the HOW will follow.”
So make sure you brainstorm your big objective.
What is it you’re trying to accomplish, professionally (and personally)?
At this step, we’re trying to get to your highest-level goal, so when you name something, ask yourself, “WHY?”
For instance, if you say, “I want to feel more appreciated at work,” then ask yourself, “Why?” You may answer, “Because I think I’ll be more successful in an environment where I feel valued.” Though that may seem like a logical endpoint, don’t stop there. You need to go further.
Next, ask yourself WHY you want to be more successful, and you’ll soon find that there are a variety of possible motivators. You may hear yourself say something like this:
- Because I KNOW this department can be so much more effective and I can contribute to that.
- Because I want to acquire enough money and experience to fund a start-up of my own in the future.
- Because I’m feeling stifled now, and I want to fulfil my potential.
- Because I know the new product we’re developing will be the best in the marketplace.
- Because I want to earn more money to pay off debt and provide my family with greater security.
- Because I want to become the CEO one day and I know I have that capability.
- Because I want to be able to develop and use my strongest skills more.
Each one of these higher-level objectives is slightly different, and is going to result in a slightly different goal or path to success. Knowing your “WHY” helps you determine your “HOW.”
Keep going until you get to the logical endpoint, state each goal in well-specified, quantifiable terms and you ill find achieving them much easier!
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