Case | Video | Podcast | Tips | Challenges | Reflect | Action | Trend | Faq | Quiz
Case
The case of La Marzocco, the espresso machine company featured in Chapter 6, perfectly exemplifies how a “why” must translate into concrete actions and behaviors in order to create real impact.
The chapter chronicles La Marzocco’s Tribe Why Discovery, a process that helped employees articulate the company’s deeper purpose. Through sharing stories and identifying common themes, the “why” they uncovered was to build community and enrich lives through their love of coffee.
This discovery alone was inspiring, but La Marzocco went further to make their “why” actionable. They came up with guiding behaviors, or HOWs, that would bring their purpose to life: To engage, connect, inspire, build, and enjoy life. These core principles framed all their decisions and daily actions.
For example, La Marzocco’s “engage” value manifested in events that brought together partners worldwide to discuss innovations and build community beyond just selling equipment. Their “build” principle led them to support coffee growers in producing regions. “Enjoy life” shaped company culture to celebrate everyday joys and camaraderie.
By setting concrete HOWs, La Marzocco embodied their WHY in tangible ways far beyond words. Employees felt motivated to live the organization’s purpose through their individual behaviors and team practices. Their “why” became a movement that infused energy and meaning into all aspects of operations.
La Marzocco demonstrates that uncovering one’s purpose is only the first step. To truly activate a “why” and make an impact, it must be made practical through specific actions and ongoing commitments. When integrated holistically, such an activated “why” has the power to transform organizations and lives.
In summary, La Marzocco provides a compelling, real-world illustration of how a “why” must catalyze behavior to fulfill its potential. Their journey embodies this key message of Find Your Why in a vivid, multilevel manner.
Resources
Video
Podcast
Tips
“Your Why Must Be Actionable: Your ‘Why’ is not just a philosophy, but a call to action.”
First let’s break the ice and talk about the ‘Why’. Your ‘Why’, the core reason behind what you do, isn’t just a philosophical concept. It isn’t just something you ponder over late at night or in moments of deep contemplation. It is meant to be actionable – a driving force that propels you forward to take real, tangible steps towards achieving your goals. Your ‘Why’ is a call to action, a command, a directive. And as such, it must be something you can act on.
Now, considering the fact that ‘whys’ are inherently personal and unique to each individual, there can be no one-size-fits-all solution if problems arise related to making your ‘Why’ actionable. But let’s delve into some general strategies that may help you.
First off, ensure your ‘Why’ is clear. This might seem like a no-brainer, but a lot of people struggle with articulating their ‘Why.’ It is often enmeshed with other thoughts, ideas, fears, and dreams. Take time to introspect and distill your thoughts to clearly define your ‘Why.’
Another common problem is not knowing where to start to make your ‘Why’ actionable. If you find yourself in this situation, a good strategy might be to break it down. What are the steps you need to take to live your ‘Why’? Identify these steps, no matter how small they may seem. Then, start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. Remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.
Lastly, if you’re finding it difficult to stay motivated to act on your ‘Why’, remember that this is a journey. There will be ups and downs. What’s important is to keep reminding yourself of your ‘Why’; let it inspire you and spur you on.
Remember, your ‘Why’ is not just a thought or a philosophy; it’s a call to action. So, make it actionable.
Challenges
1. Recognize Your ‘Why’: Take a moment to sit down and really think about what motivates you. What do you deeply care about? What drives you to get up every morning? Write these thoughts down.
2. Transform Your ‘Why’ into Goals: Now that you’ve identified your ‘why’, it’s time to turn it into actionable goals. How can you make your ‘why’ a reality? Set tangible, achievable objectives that align with your ‘why’.
3. Break down Your Goals: Large goals can be daunting. Break them down into smaller tasks. This will help you understand what steps you need to take to reach your overall goal and will make the process seem less overwhelming.
4. Include Your ‘Why’ in Daily Actions: Every day, do something that feeds into your ‘why’. It may be something small like reading a book related to your goal, or something big like launching a new project.
5. Reflect on Your Progress: Every so often, take a step back to reflect on what you’ve achieved. Are you close to realizing your ‘why’? If not, what needs to change in order to get there?
6. Share Your ‘Why’: Talk to others about your ‘why’ and your journey towards achieving it. This will not only give you a sense of accountability but also may inspire others to find their own ‘why’.
7. Stay Open to Change: Remember, your ‘why’ is not set in stone. As you grow and evolve, so may your purpose. Always stay open to change and be ready to adjust your goals accordingly.
8. Celebrate Your Successes: Each time you achieve a goal, no matter how small, take time to celebrate. This will boost your morale and keep you motivated.
Remember, your ‘why’ is not just a thought, it’s a call to action.
Reflect
How do you plan to put your ‘Why’ into action? What steps will you take to make your purpose more than just a belief, but a driving force in your everyday life?
Action
First and foremost, put your ‘Why’ into words. It’s crucial to articulate your ‘Why’ clearly and passionately. Compose a personal mission statement that shows why you are doing what you are doing, and what you hope to achieve. This statement should be concise and clear, and it should resonate deeply with your core values. You might say, for instance, “My ‘Why’ is to inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential.”
Next, identify the actions that are directly aligned with your ‘Why’. These actions should drive you towards your ‘Why’, acting as a roadmap to guide your decisions and actions. For instance, if your ‘Why’ is about empowering individuals, you may choose actions such as mentoring young professionals, sharing knowledge and expertise through blogs or podcasts, or advocating for policies that support growth and development.
Establish measurable goals that align with your ‘Why’ and the actions you’ve identified. This will help you stay on track and keep your ‘Why’ action-oriented. Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). If your action is to mentor young professionals, your goal could be to mentor a specific number of individuals within a set timeframe.
Commit to your ‘Why’ and the accompanying actions. This might mean dedicating specific time each day or week to take action, or it could involve making career or lifestyle changes to focus more on your ‘Why’. Remember, your ‘Why’ should inspire and motivate you, not feel like a burden.
Stay accountable to your ‘Why’. Share your ‘Why’ and your action plan with trusted individuals in your life, like family, friends, or mentors. They can provide support, encouragement, and accountability to help you stay committed to your ‘Why’.
Evaluate and adjust your ‘Why’ and associated actions as needed. As you grow and evolve, your ‘Why’ might change too. Regularly reflect on whether your ‘Why’ is still motivating and aligns with your values, and if your actions are effectively driving you towards your ‘Why’. Don’t be afraid to modify your ‘Why’ or adjust your actions if you find they’re not serving you as well as they could be.
Finally, practice patience and perseverance. Acting on your ‘Why’ is a journey, not a destination. It may take time to see the fruits of your actions, and there will likely be obstacles along the way. But by staying committed to your ‘Why’, and by consistently taking action, you can create meaningful change in your life and the lives of others.
Remember, while your ‘Why’ is a philosophy and a passion, it must also lead to action. Through identifying, articulating, and implementing your ‘Why’, you can ensure that your ‘Why’ is indeed actionable. Translate your passion into pragmatism, transform your vision into something tangible and make your ‘Why’ a call to action that leads the way to a fulfilling and purposeful life.
Trend
Recognizing your ‘Why’ is vital and transformative — it’s a dynamic thrust that gives meaning to your everyday actions and decisions. But your ‘Why’ has to be more than a contemplative, philosophical concept; it needs to inspire action. Here’s why your ‘Why’ needs to be actionable and how it can transform your life.
Firstly, let’s clarify what ‘Why’ means in this context. It’s the reason you wake up in the morning. It’s what motivates you, drives you, and fills you with passion. It’s not merely about what you do or how you do it but why you do it.
It’s essential to identify your ‘Why’ because it offers a sense of purpose and a clear direction. It sets your goals and helps you stay focused on achieving them. But it isn’t enough for your ‘Why’ to simply exist. Your ‘Why’ needs to spur action, prompt tangible steps, and incite change. Plunging into your ‘Why’ is not about navel-gazing or getting lost in introspection. It demands a call to action.
Why should your ‘Why’ be actionable? When your ‘Why’ is actionable, it’s not just an abstract idea; it’s a force that propels you forward. It’s the key to unlocking your full potential – turning your dreams into realities. If your ‘Why’ isn’t actionable, it risks becoming a mere daydream, a goal that remains forever out of reach.
An actionable ‘Why’ is a beacon guiding you on your life journey. It illuminates your path, helps you make important decisions and inspires you to overcome challenges. It’s your north star, providing a framework to align your actions and decisions with your larger goal.
Take the example of someone who has identified their ‘Why’ as making a significant contribution to their community. If they do not translate this ‘Why’ into tangible steps – volunteering, organizing a local event, starting a community project – their ‘Why’ remains a kind thought but fails to impact their community or fulfill their purpose.
Another reason your ‘Why’ should be actionable is that it turns your ‘Why’ into a habit. When your ‘Why’ inspires regular action, it becomes an integral part of your life, shaping your daily routines and habits. This repetition breeds success. It’s like a muscle that, when exercised regularly, becomes stronger and more effective.
In summary, your ‘Why’ should not be a static, abstract concept. It should be a dynamic, actionable force that propels you towards your goals. Action is the bridge between the mental and the physical, the dream and the reality. By making your ‘Why’ actionable, you are creating a powerful tool that will drive you forward, shape your habits, and transform your life.
Overall, making your ‘Why’ actionable catalyzes your journey towards your goals by transforming your ‘Why’ from an abstract concept to a powerful driving force. It turns your ‘Why’ into a roadmap, a tangible guide that leads you from where you are now to where you want to be. So, don’t just contemplate your ‘Why’ – act on it.
Faq
How does a “Why” become actionable?
A “Why” becomes actionable when it translates from just an idea or philosophy to something that influences our daily decisions and behaviors. It’s about having a purpose that doesn’t only informs what we think or feel, but actually compels us to act in certain ways. For instance, if your “why” is to promote environmental sustainability, your actionable steps could be recycling, reducing consumption, or advocating for clean energy. It’s not enough to say you stand for something, you need to show it through action.
Why does my “Why” need to be actionable?
Your “Why” needs to be actionable because it lends credibility and authenticity to it. Having an actionable “Why” shows that you are committed and willing to make the necessary changes or take the right steps towards achieving or supporting your cause. It demonstrates that you’re not just talk, but are genuine and sincere in your beliefs and intentions.
How can I make my “Why” actionable?
Making your “Why” actionable involves identifying specific, feasible steps that align with your “Why”. Begin by analyzing your “Why”. Understand its implications and determine what actions can contribute to its realization. Create a plan for integrating these actions into your daily life. It helps to break them down into smaller, manageable tasks.
Can my “Why” change, and if so, shouldn’t my actions also change?
Yes, your “Why” can certainly change. Our lives are dynamic, and as we grow and experience new things, our “Why” might evolve. If your “Why” changes, naturally, the actions you need to take will likely change too. The key is to remain adaptable and willing to adjust your actions in line with your evolving “Why”.
Can a “Why” be too big to become actionable?
A “Why” can be big, and frankly, it ought to be. However, no “Why” is too big to become actionable. The key is to break down your “Why” into smaller, more manageable parts. Every great achievement started with a small step. So, no matter how big your “Why” is, when you break it down into actionable steps, it becomes achievable.
How do I stay committed to my “Why” and my actions?
Staying committed to your “Why” and your consequential actions takes discipline and perseverance. Keep reminding yourself of your “Why”, and the importance of your actions. This will fuel your motivation. Additionally, celebrate small victories. Each step you take towards your “Why” is an achievement worth celebrating.
Is it wrong if my “Why” seems self-centered?
Having a “Why” that might seem self-centered is not wrong. It is okay to have personal ambitions. However, it is beneficial to consider how your “Why” can positively impact others or contribute to a greater cause. Often, a “Why” becomes stronger, more fulfilling, and ultimately more potent when it extends beyond our personal desires.
This conversation is by no means exhaustive but provides a basic understanding of what it means for a “Why” to be actionable, and how to go about achieving it. Having an actionable “Why” means moving beyond mere words to deliberate actions, thus giving substance and credibility to our “Why”.
Quiz