Simon Sinek‘s most oft-repeated philosophy is also his first: the concept of the ‘Why.’ He illustrated this in his 2009 Ted Talk with the ‘Golden Circle,‘ which discusses the why, as well as the ‘How’ and the ‘What’ that must necessarily lead back to it. The ‘Why’ is the last layer in a drill-down of purpose. It’s the anchor to ‘What’ one does, and then ‘How’ one does it.
The ‘Why’ is typically circulated as a leadership concept. This book comes highly recommended to new sergeants at my department, and is on the chief’s reading list. And rightly so — a huge part of understanding your employees is first understanding what motivates them personally, and then finding ways to tie that into their professional endeavors. We cannot force our employees, or even our peers, into caring about something that doesn’t resonate with their own values.
But what if this philosophy is applied at a less granular level? This was, after all, Sinek’s first example in his Ted talk. He used the Golden Circle to illustrate why Apple products were designed so elegantly, and with such focus. What if thought leaders, command staff, training cadres, and chiefs took a step back and applied this to law enforcement agencies. What if we asked how the ‘Why’ applies to policing?
When discovering the ‘Why,’ either as an individual or an organization, one is advised to articulate their ‘Why Statement.’ This is not a list of actions or responsibilities; those are the ‘What.’ It is not the list of core values an agency posts conspicuously on websites and walls; those are ‘How.’ The ‘Why’ is existential, connected to reality, and an honest, authentic self-reflection.
Basically, ‘Why’ are we here, in this uniform, in this patrol vehicle, in this agency, in this community, in this profession?
It isn’t crime. It isn’t to protect and serve. It isn’t to throw bad guys in jail. It’s something deeper.
It’s taking ownership of making our communities a place where we would want to live. Speaking to people the way we’d want to be spoken to. Carrying the sense of strength, protection, and authority that we would want to see barreling our way when we needed it most. Taking pride in the work we do, because we know that it’s honorable, and worthwhile.
Agencies should know their ‘Why,’ so that their officers can see it for themselves.
And building trust and legitimacy within their communities is the first step.
Leave a Reply