The Art of Why - The Introduction

Published 20.01.2025

I once had a conversation with a friend, and after I finished speaking, he said, "Well, that's just your style of leadership." Intrigued, I asked him why he thought that. He smiled and replied, "Exactly. You always ask why instead of what or how."

That moment resonated deeply, especially as I reflected on Simon Sinek’s concept of starting with why. In his TED Talk, Sinek explains how great leaders and organizations inspire action by first understanding their purpose—their why. This idea aligns perfectly with my leadership approach

In the hospitality industry, it's easy to focus on the what—delivering great food and service—or the how—implementing processes and systems. But when we start with why, we tap into something far more meaningful. The why drives clarity, inspires teams, and creates a sense of shared purpose.

For example, when leading a team, focusing on why ensures that everyone understands the greater purpose behind their work, fostering engagement and alignment.

Sinek’s Golden Circle—starting with why, then moving to how and what—is a powerful tool for leadership and business. By applying this framework, I’ve seen firsthand how focusing on why energizes teams, strengthens relationships with guests, and leads to sustainable success.

As leaders, when we embrace the power of why, we don’t just manage tasks—we inspire people. And in industries like hospitality, where connection is everything, this approach isn’t just effective—it’s essential.