Humanity First

Recently, my husband sent me this video of Simon Sinek talking about finding your “why.” While this particular one is a bit dated (Covid-reactive), many of the ideas are so vitally important workplace culture. There are a couple of key points I loved that he made, but I think they can all be boiled down to one very scary character trait: vulnerability.

Being vulnerable is difficult in the best of circumstances, however, it is the cornerstone of any lasting relationship. When Sinek describes asking someone “why are we friends,” he is not indicating that they are then going to provide you with an answer as to your why, but the act of you being vulnerable enough to ask the question in the first place is what is important. Ultimately, human connection is what is missing from most industry leaders.

Many times we see leadership equated with strength. If you’re a leader, you maintain an unshaken persona that whatever life throws at you, you will not flinch (Sinek disagrees). You maintain an identify of heroism, bravery, and (and least from the outside) an I-have-all-the-answers attitude.

Your “why,” that thing that gets you out of bed in the morning, should never be “solving problems,” “being a hero,” or “making a difference.” Those things are great, but they will be the natural results of a leader who is human-driven, not results driven. As my husband has said to me multiple times, people don’t quit jobs, people quit bosses.

Whether your a leader in your school, your classroom, or your family, it’s important to lead as Sinek suggests - humanity first.