In the dynamic field of Emergency Management (EM), understanding and articulating our core purpose can significantly enhance our effectiveness and inspire our teams. Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why” concept provides a powerful framework for achieving this. Here’s how we can apply it:
Define Your Why
The first step is to identify and articulate the core purpose of our work and connect it to your values and core beliefs. In EM, our ‘Why’ might be “safeguarding communities and company staff by minimizing the impact of disasters and ensuring rapid recovery.” This purpose should be clear and compelling, driving all our actions and decisions. For example, in Muslim-majority countries, Islam calls for protecting all people’s lives and considers it a duty of all Muslims. This can be used as one of your ‘Whys’.
Communicate the Why
Everyone in the organization must fully comprehend and wholeheartedly support your core purpose. We can achieve this by regularly communicating through meetings, training sessions, and internal messaging to keep our fundamental ‘Why’ at everyone’s minds. By emphasizing the ‘why’ behind every protocol and decision, we can create a unified sense of mission and purpose within the organization.
Align Actions with the Why
Evaluate current practices to ensure they align with the core purpose. If our ‘why’ is to protect lives, we must prioritize actions that enhance safety and preparedness, even if they require additional resources and money. This alignment ensures that our operations are always geared towards our ultimate goal.
Inspire Through the Why
Using the ‘Why’ to inspire and motivate teams is essential. Highlight success stories where the core purpose led to positive outcomes. Recognize and reward those who exemplify the organization’s ‘Why’ in their work. This approach fosters a culture of dedication and commitment.
Build Trust with Stakeholders
Clearly communicate your ‘Why’ to external stakeholders, including contractors, joint ventures, and the public and national agencies. This will build trust and demonstrate that our actions are driven by a commitment to a higher purpose, not just regulatory compliance.
Continuous Reflection on the Why
Regularly revisit and refine your ‘Why’ to keep it relevant and impactful. Encourage feedback to understand how well the ‘Why’ resonates and drives behavior within the team.
By starting with ‘Why’, we can create a unified, motivated, and resilient organization better equipped to handle crises and inspire confidence in the communities we serve. This approach not only enhances our operational effectiveness but also builds a culture of purpose and dedication in emergency management.
