Written by: gfesadmin on June 26, 2013

Sinek in Start with Why, reasons the golden circle principle is behind the success of many an inspiring leader. The golden circle starts with why at the core, then moves to how in the next ring and the outside ring represents what.

As a leader, I have believed that proven leadership needs to start with a personal purpose statement answering the question “Why do I exist.” After much writing and thinking when I was younger, my purpose statement was long and drawn out: “I exist to know God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, to be a good steward by developing all the gifts, talents and resources God has given me to their fullest potential by making disciples in the world.”

Sinek, Simon. Start with why: how great leaders inspire everyone to take action. New York: Portfolio, 2011.

I have encouraged many young leaders to develop and write their purpose statements as very few leaders actually take time to write a personal purpose statement.

Today, I have summed my “Why” as, “I exist to serve others by helping them to be the best they can be.” I still hold true to the original statement but for simplicity sake, helping others to be their best works quite well.

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