Knowing where we stand

I was reminded recently of Simon Sinkek's work in beginning with why (TED, 2010). While this idea appears quite simple, the way Simon phrases it makes it seem like a no-brainer: "why". Where do we begin? With 'why' (read more here). 

However, identifying a core purpose, philosophy, goal, or outcome is hard work. But doing that work really pays off, because all other decisions can flow from the place where we stand. That place where we stand might be our turangawaewae (if really long term), our philosophy (if more broad), our vision (if we have a goal that is aspirational) or our mission (if we want a day to day guide). 

I tend to use that place where we begin, our central idea, as a "rule of thumb": if we have done that skull sweat initially to know clearly what we want to get to, then all later decisions fall naturally into place. For example: 

• if we are aiming to build a low maintenance structure [goal], when given cladding choices, we are likely to go for the option needing the least maintenance
• If our goal to build as cheaply as possible, then the lowest cost option will be selected each time
• If we are doing a research project and are taking a subjective approach, then we are unlikely to adopt hypothesis testing and use a Chi squared analysis tool (i.e. objective tools)
• Microsoft's mission is "to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more" (2024). However, if we want to empower our customer, then we probably shouldn't roll out unavoidable computer updates and patches on a Tuesday, which are then seem to be tested in the wild as people are trying to do their work (as Microsoft seems to do). Rigorous testing behind the scenes would be more sensible... but that adds cost. 

Knowing where we stand smooths decision-making. If we look at the technology company, Apple, the aim looks to be delivering seamless technology results to the customer. They do everything they can to smooth the user path so that the user can use the apps. Apple keeps all the hard-, soft- and firmware programming, updates, and other IT stuff off the user's desk... but at a higher cost. Yes, their vision appears to be "To make the best products on earth and to leave the world better than we found it" but their mission - the day to day work - is quite clear: "To bring[...] the best user experience to customers through innovative hardware, software, and services" (Abbott, 2024). But we will pay more for that.

Our first job is to understand where we stand.

Sam

References:

Abbott, A. (2024, March 22). Apple Mission Statement | Vision | Core Values | Strategy (2024 Analysis). https://bstrategyhub.com/apple-mission-statement-vision-core-values/

Microsoft. (2024). Empowering others. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/about4

TED. (2010, May 4). How great leaders inspire action | Simon Sinek | TED [video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/qp0HIF3SfI4