Conflicting “why’s”

Is your “why” at conflict?

“Working hard for something we do not care about is called stress, working hard for something we love is called passion.” Simon Sinek

A simple definition of “culture” is how a group acts, feels, does life.

No great culture exists without unity.

And, unity is driven by the company’s “why.”

A company’s “why” ultimately creates a culture, a feel of the team. The group acts a certain way and is motivated, inspired by the “why.” The team rallies around the collective mission.

However, when personal “why’s” are at conflict with the team’s “why,” political environments exist. Power hungry cultures exist. Stress is greater than passion. Many of us have been part of those cultures.

Consider the University of Georgia football team. (Sorry, I have been listening to Head Coach Kirby Smart at media days). When a transfer or recruit joins the team, they walk into a certain feel in the locker room. The players act a certain way. They care about the details of the program, and they have major expectations. It takes a bit for a new player to acclimate into the culture.

The reason for the culture is that Georgia’s “why” is crystal clear, “to win a national championship.” This creates unity, alignment, and a winning culture. This is why an individual signs up at Georgia.

All other individual “why’s” are secondary to the team “why” or you don’t fit at Georgia.

Assume a Georgia recruit arrives on campus with a personal “why” of a large NIL deal or a mission of becoming the number one draft pick in the NFL. There is nothing wrong with those admirable “why’s.” However, if the recruit’s personal “why” becomes the driving force, greater than Georgia’s “why” of winning a national championship, the recruit will not last long. Motivations are different and unity will fall apart.

For unity, the individual mission must be secondary to the team mission. The “why’s” can’t be at conflict.

If one focuses on their individual “why” above all else, the team or culture doesn’t matter. This person can exist anywhere. Unity is secondary. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as the individual has great clarity. They understand their personal mission.

However, when an individual’s “why” sits under a team’s “why,” unity is created, fulfillment happens, and great cultures exist. The alignment of “why’s” drives passion, motivation, care.

To find fulfillment, play on a team where your “why” can be secondary to the team’s “why.” Then, fight to protect the culture.

Ultimately, your “why” impacts others. A conflicting “why” erodes culture and unity. An aligned “why” drives culture and unity.

Is your “why” at conflict?

Acts 20:24

Impact others. Live generously.