Discussion Post: Importance Of Why
Preparation
This discussion is based on a TED Talk by Simon Sinek, as well as drawing on readings from the Introduction to Management module. Fascinated by leaders with the capacity to inspire and have an impact in the world, Sinek has discovered some remarkable patterns in how these leaders think, act, and communicate. He wrote Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action to explore the idea of the "golden circle," which is what he calls "a naturally occurring pattern, grounded in the biology of human decision-making, that explains why we are inspired by some people, leaders, messages, and organizations over others."
Task
Choose ONE of the following questions to respond to in your initial post.
• Think about the management roles discussed in your reading (leadership, informational, and decision-making). How might Sinek's assertion that "People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it" influence how a manager performs these roles?
• How do you think the four management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling fit in with the ideas Sinek expresses in his talk? Which function do you think he would say is most important? Why?
• Sinek uses the Wright Brothers and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as examples of people who were successful because they believed deeply in what they were doing and communicated from the "why" portion of his "golden circle." Can you identify any other examples of this type of leader? Explain your example, and define their "why."
The response must include a reference list. Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.