by Davide Guidetti, guest writer
Simon Sinek’s TEDx talk, ‘Start with Why’, shares a strong message that goes beyond leadership. It tries to explain what actually matters to people and how groups can work better together.
This resonates with the ideas behind Seeing Things Whole, which seeks to help people and organizations think in a complete and ‘whole’ way.
The Golden Circle and Wholeness
Sinek talks about the “Golden Circle” or “Why, How, and What.” He says great leaders begin with the question Why do they do what they do. Looking at Seeing Things Whole’s framework, which focuses on Purpose, Process, and People, the idea is similar. Both say that knowing your true purpose is the most important part, and only by knowing this will you be able to thrive. When you start with your purpose, your actions and decisions become clearer and more meaningful.
A New Look at Leadership
According to Sinek, being a leader is not only about being in charge. It’s about inspiring others. He uses examples like the Wright brothers and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr; these leaders didn’t just talk about what needed to be done; they shared what they really believed in. Seeing Things Whole asks that leaders connect people to a bigger purpose for themselves and for their organizations.
Belief Over Products
Sinek says people follow beliefs, not just products. People aren’t just workers or customers; they have values and want to be part of something bigger and more impactful. When an organization shares its mission and vision clearly, people are more likely to trust and support it.
I am very passionate about fashion, and the first example that comes to mind is Patagonia and their mission, ‘We are in business to save our home planet.’ This is not just marketing; it is what guides their decision, and this is essential in order to build trust, loyalty, and attract more customers who want to be part of this environmental movement. Since 1985, they have also donated 1% of their sales to environmental causes and, in 2022, they decided to transfer the ownership of the company to a trust that makes sure that all the profits, estimated more than $100 million a year, will be used to protect nature and to fight climate change. This financial commitment underscores their dedication to preserving the environment and greatly amplifies their impact.
When leaders only talk about what they do or how they do it, they often don’t inspire others. This leads to confusion and a lack of connection, also between employees. Seeing Things Whole helps people avoid this by teaching and reminding them to keep their purpose, people, and processes in balance. It’s about making sure everything fits together.
Leading with Purpose in a Group
One powerful example Sinek gives is the 250,000 people who showed up to listen to Dr. King speak without being invited. They came because they shared his beliefs.
Seeing Things Whole is that strong communities are built on a shared purpose.
People don’t follow just because someone tells them to, they follow because they care.
Conclusion
Sinek’s talk and the Seeing Things Whole framework both show that having a clear purpose matters. It helps people trust each other, work better together, and make a bigger difference. In a world that can often feel busy and divided, starting with why and keeping the whole picture in mind can guide us to better leadership and stronger communities.
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