Why: At the Heart of the Golden Circle, the Bucket List, and Meaning
As I read the quotes by Ulrich,
Frankl, and Kouzes and Posner, I was reminded of Sinek’s “Golden Circle” and The Bucket List (Krear-Klostermeier,
2015; TEDx, 2009). Frankl (2004) suggests it “is a peculiarity of man that he
must have something significant yet to do in his life, for that is what gives
meaning to life” (as cited in Krear-Klostermeier, 2015). Ulrich (n.d.) notes
meaning is tied to “what we do with what we have” while Kouzes and Posner
(1987) postulate leaders “must find a way to communicate” this meaning in order
to excite and attract followers (as cited in Krear-Klostermeier, 2015).
Merriam-Webster (2015) defines meaning as “the thing one intends to convey
especially by language”. This definition affirms Sinek’s observations that
meaning appeals to the limbic section of our brain; and, as such, we lack the
capacity to apply a better terminology than “thing” to describe meaning (TEDx,
2009). Meaning is a feeling and this is further demonstrated with the many
items Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman include on their “bucket list” (Robinson,
2012). When I combine these quotes, definitions, and theories with the context
of Ulrich’s (2010) research, it becomes clear that the ability to communicate a
feeling in such a way that targets the limbic portion of the brain is key for
leaders and companies so they can attract employees and customers who believe
in and want to do business with a like-minded organization.
According to Ulrich (2010), even
people in the most “horrible work settings” were able to find meaning; they
were able to connect in an emotional manner which words could not describe. I
see this same correlation when Nicholson and Freeman are faced with a horrible
living setting, the diagnosis of terminal cancer; and, yet, within a few
months, they are able to find meaning in the remainder of their lives
(Robinson, 2012). Ulrich (2010) states meaning is created people through a
process that requires preparation and skills. Meaning is driven by a belief or
purpose (TEDx, 2009). Sinek uses Langley and the Wright Brothers to illustrate
meaning. Samuel Pierpont Langley sought to solve the riddle of powered-man
flight in hopes of furthering his personal pursuit of money and fame; the
Wright Brothers knew flight would change the course of the world (TEDx, 2009).
It is not what they did; it is why they did it. Meaning is our collective why.
It explains why we work harder, are more creative, demonstrate more tenacity,
and strive for success (Ulrich, 2010). Ulrich (2010) recognize the same
contributions of the limbic system of the brain noted by Sinek in that the
feelings generated from solving a difficult task, fostering friendship, or
learning from others provide a feeling that can only be described as an “ah-ha
moment. Our capacity for language leaves us when we experience an engaging vision,
listen to stories that “make sense of the past and imagine the future”, have
our inner abilities tapped, and engage others in a way that changes hearts and
minds (Ulrich, 2010). All of these elements are present when Nicholson and
Freeman are tasked with facing their own mortality and finding meaning in what
is left of their lives.
“The Bucket List”, initially
compiled by Freeman and added to by Nicholson, lists items that are neither
rational nor analytical. The two actors demonstrate Sinek’s “Golden Circle” as
they discuss the list (TEDx, 2009). Freeman explains it as a lesson from a
professor of philosophy. A list is to be written that indicates all the things
one wishes to do in their life so that one’s purpose can be defined and
realized (Robinson, 2012). Nicholson views it differently. He sees the point of
the list as rather than hoping for a miracle, by identifying activities that
will add life rather than death to their limited time on Earth, a list can be
constructed in a way that allows the men to “put some moves on” before they die
(Robinson, 2012). The list includes: “help a complete stranger for the good,
laugh until I cry”, witness something majestic, sky-dive, and kiss the most
beautiful girl (Robinson, 2012). Look at how many on the list evoke emotions. How
many have been inspired to find their meaning from this movie? As Ulrich (2010)
notes, neither position nor salary affect one’s ability to find meaning. Both
Nicholson and Freeman represent polar opposites, one has position and wealth,
the other does not; and, yet, both find meaning. At the end of his experience,
Freeman is able to realize a higher rate of commitment with his wife and
family. Nicholson is able to understand why making a hospital experience more
meaningful is important and the role he plays in that process.
I believe Sinek’s proposition that
businesses want to do business with people who believe what the company believes
(TEDx, 2009). I believe appealing to one’s emotions, rather than to one’s logic
and rational, leads to greater loyalty and a better decision making process. I
further concur with Sinek that meaning does leave us wanting for words that
describe the behavior (TEDx, 2009). That’s why the vision is an important part
of change and why reaffirming the meaning throughout the vision and change
process is more like crafting “fine pottery” rather than as simple as picking
up a dropped coin (Ulrich, 2010). Yukl (2013) states the success of major change rests with the leader's communication as to why change is needed and how it benefits others. Change is a part of finding meaning, or the collective why. Just as vision can link the past with the future; so, too can meaning (Yukl, 2013). That's why The Bucket List and Sinek's "Golden Circle" came to mind as I read Ulrich's (2010) research. I also think a “bucket list” should be
developed before a company or individual is diagnosed with a terminal
condition. It provides an ongoing way to reflect and change.
References
Krear-Klostermeier,
K. (2015). A511.6.3.RB – Meaning. In Module
6 – Leading Change in
Organizations
and Leadership in Teams and Decision Group (02/16/15 – 02/22/15).
Retrieved from Lecture Notes Online
Web site:
https://erau.blackboard.com/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url= %2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_ 1035465_1
Merriam-Webster
Incorporated. (2015). Meaning. In Dictionary.
Retrieved from
Robinson, R.
(2012, July 3). Morgan Freeman Explains The Bucket List to Jack Nicholson.
[Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgaZfQbRxkU
TEDx. (2009, Sept.
28). Start with why – how great leaders inspire action | Simon Sinek|
TEDxPugetSound [Video file].
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA&feature=share&list=PL42F8562DCD3CCEA8
Ulrich, D. &
W. (2010, June 2). Getting Beyond Engagement to Creating Meaning at Work.
Harvard
Business Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2010/06/getting-beyond- engagement-to-c
Yukl, G. (2013).
Leadership in Organizations. (8th
ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
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