Post-Covid Advocacy Series 4/4: Purpose – Mission – Vision.

#1 was Territorial Markers, #2 WIIFM, and #3 Grassroots’ 3C’s. This last article will put a bow around post COVID advocacy principles as our way of encouraging all groups seeking government support to address the big-picture issues of Purpose – Mission – Vision.

“Start With Why” authored by Simon Sinek, has quickly established itself amongst the most influential writings of our time. By studying leaders who have had the greatest influence on the world, Sinek discovered that they all think, act, and communicate in exactly the same way.  And he recognized their approach as the complete opposite of what everyone else does.

He describes what he calls “The Golden Circle” which works, and works well, in big business and small business, in the world of non-profit, and, critical for this article, it works in the world of politics and advocacy.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Steve Jobs and the Wright Brothers may seem to have little in common, but they all started with WHY which provided each of them a framework for massive success and to leave magnificent legacies.

Every organization knows and can articulate WHAT they do, the outer circle. Some can explain HOW they do it, the second circle. Few, very few, can clearly articulate WHY they do it, the centre circle. And when you communicate from the inside out great organizations can be built, movements led, causes championed, people inspired, and remarkable things achieved.

When you are lobbying government for something, start with the why. If you can articulate the why, clearly, and consistently, government officials and staff will collaborate with you, support you, because they want in, and they will be drawn to you and your cause much more readily than if you only tell them what you do and how you do it.

Start with why and you will inspire staff and teams do their very best work, not because they have to, but because they want to. You inspire members of your board to fully buy-in. You never need to manipulate – ever. You gain greater loyalty from customers and greater respect from competitors and suppliers.

WHY is never money. Money is the result, not the WHY.

“Start With Why.” Get the book, read it, study it in depth, and become magnificent at living it.

Find Simon Sinek TED talks. Watch his videos on YouTube.

Purpose = WHY? Mission = HOW? Vision = WHAT?

If you are unclear about these critical messages, it will be challenging, highly challenging, to convince government to support you. 

Grassroots can help your organization clearly establish your unique ‘Golden Circle’, your Purpose, Mission, Vision. Please get in touch and together let’s discover why, how, and what our Grassroots team needs to do, to earn your trust and partner with you throughout the process.

Only you can do it – you don’t have to do it alone.

To your success!

Ray Pons

Sr. Communications Specialist

Ray is an expert on leadership development, impactful communication and strategic coaching.  In addition to his years as a serial entrepreneur, Ray’s experience includes life insurance, reinsurance, being a faculty member trainer at Rockhurst University Continuing Education Center, Keynote Speaker and Executive Coach to businesses small and large. He has a straightforward, no-nonsense style heavily influenced by Dr. Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People & The 8th Habit. Ray brings an experienced, yet innovative approach to performance improvement, team-building and change management.