What is the “Golden Circle”

What is the “Golden Circle”

I Power Seed:  Recently in a senior leadership meeting we were reminded of the concept of the “Golden Circle” by Simon Sinek and how powerful it is.  I can almost guarantee that once you watch the video (below), it will forever change your thinking.

Simon Sinek’s “Golden Circle” is a concept that helps explain why some leaders and organizations are more inspiring and successful than others. It focuses on three layers of communication and decision-making:

1. Why (The Core): This is the purpose, cause, or belief behind an action. It’s the reason why an organization exists or why a leader does what they do. Most inspiring leaders and companies start by communicating their “Why.”

1. How (The Process): These are the actions or values that make an organization or individual unique and bring the “Why” to life. It’s about the approach taken to achieve a goal.

1. What (The Outcome): This is the product, service, or result of the “Why” and “How.” Most organizations focus on communicating this, but Sinek argues that inspiring leaders start with “Why.”

The Brain Connection:

• The outer layer, or “What,” relates to the neocortex, which is responsible for rational thinking, language, and analysis.
• The middle two layers, “How” and “Why,” connect with the limbic brain, which controls emotions, behavior, and decision-making, but it doesn’t have language. This is why leading with “Why” taps into emotions and inspires action at a deeper level.