Everyone has a purpose. A reason for doing what they do. Let’s call that your why. If you know your why, you’ll likely have greater clarity as you navigate your leadership journey. If you know why you do what you do, you are more likely to have a greater impact and achieve your desired results. Dean Bokhari, CEO of FlashBooks states: "Your why statement is the most effective way in which you can articulate your purpose to other people and yourself as well."
To construct your why statement, think about your contribution and the impact of your contribution. To (your contribution) so that (impact).
"When you know your WHY, your WHAT has more impact because you’re walking in or towards your purpose."
Your why statement should be:
Simple and clear
Actionable
Focused on how you will contribute to others
Expressed in affirmative language that resonates with you
Your why statement should encapsulate all the qualities we just mentioned—and it should be a single sentence.
Your why statement will shift over time and you will need to return to the statement frequently during your leadership journey.
Example:
Ellen Olsen states her why as...
To use her position as an Education Support Professional and union leader inside and outside of the school to address inequities and improve the learning conditions for students and working conditions for educators, so that every student and educator is treated with respect and feels valued as a path to create a more just world.