Jay Mahaney was the cutest little dude. He was one and a half and I was a much more worldly 8-year-old.
I loved being with him until he hit the dreaded two’s. Then he started asking, “Why?” We’d answer him. He’d ask “why?” again. And again – like every 2-year-old. Little did I know that he would become my great philosophy teacher.
“Why” drives us all, whether we know it or not. “Why” should be our core question if we want satisfaction and continued success – however, we measure it in our lives, relationships and at work.
“Why” is the question we answer with “Because…” which reminds us of our purpose. Purpose gives meaning. This is not some aging babyboomer robes and sandals kumbaya concept as we look for the meaning of life (though it works there, too). Understanding what drives people – connecting to their core values and purpose, makes for deeply satisfying relationships. Think about the conversations that might ensue if you asked of your friends, “Why are we out together tonight?” “To see a movie’ is not why. It is “what.” The why could be to “have a laugh,” “to forget stress,” or “to remind me how important your friendship is...”
Purpose is the great differentiator in business. Sometimes we call it a “mission.”
Purpose keeps us focused in the noise. It keeps us moving forward when there are obstacles. And purpose profits us handsomely – both psychically and financially – by following our “why.”
“We do things because they’re just and right,” says Apple CEO Tim Cook. He doesn’t mention profit, yet he is an important part of one of the most valuable companies in the world – and the second most profitable. Apple employees and customers are evangelical – sometimes in spite of occasional poor quality (Apple Maps), less than ideal employee practices, and high-priced products. Why? “To make a contribution to the world by making tools for the mind that advance humankind.” That’s why!
People stand in line for fast food at a restaurant that is considerably more expensive than its competition – and provides much slower service. Why? Chipotle’s mission is “Food with Integrity.” That costs money. It’s healthy fast food, with integrity. A contradiction in terms? Business naive? It now has over 1,700 stores, revenue is over $3.6 billion, its market cap doubled in the last 24 months to $21 billion.
At our core, we all want to be like my friend Jay Mahaney. Help those key to your company understand “why.” Why the company exists. Why the team exists. Why the task needs to be done. It will bring personal and financial profit.Third Level helps companies find their why. Contact us for help finding your company's why - 800.262.0705/ UK 44 345 056 3383 or e-mail at info@thirdlevel.com.
I’ve engaged Third Level with multiple teams over 12 years and we continue to generate exceptional business results. I see the program as my gift for all those who I’ve worked with and led. Without exception they feel much better about themselves and the world they live in – delivering more through improving satisfaction and engagement as leaders and teams.
I am a better leader, husband and father as a result of the work I do with Third Level.
Nick Williams Deputy Director, Group TransformationLloyds Banking Group
You managed to take a healthy, vibrant, and talented team to a new level of commitment to their careers, their lives and each other. Each member of our top management team has thanked me for the experience and related that this has been one of the best professional experiences of their lives. The outcome was clearly of great benefit to my businesses over the years. We identify issues that probably wouldn’t have surfaced for two years, saving ourselves at least five times our investment with you. And we are solving problems and confronting issues much more quickly. Our foundation of trust has grown quickly. More recently, the Fascination profile has helped us understand and collaborate far more quickly together as new teams form, and decision-making progresses.
Gary Press President,ARS and Chairman, Lifestyle Media Group