By Gary Gruber

Simon Sinek’s big idea of “Start With Why” appealed to me from the very first time I listened to it and saw him speak on one of the TED talks (Click here to watch and listen). So, starting off this new school year, I decided to use his notion of starting with why, and the two groups I tried it out on were, first of all, my leadership team before school began and then the entire faculty at the opening day of preparation for the year.

The first group, seven of us, gathered, and I combined Jim Loehr’s “Power of Story” with Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” as I believed one would indeed compliment the other. The three questions that informed our conversations were: 1) Why do you do what you do? 2) Why do you do this here in this place and not some other? 3) Why do you care so much about what you do (assuming you care!)?

In the first group,members of the leadership team had the time to reflect upon their own personal stories of how they became who they are and what kinds of influences have shaped them into the persons of today. This was a little different method of getting at why we are and who we are, but it was an effective way of starting with why and it proved to be a fairly powerful experience. It was indeed quite personal, and the mutual respect and regard that ensued has continued to help frame our continuing conversations each week as we meet together. I try to remember to include something of value for each person to contribute about “why” as we begin our weekly meetings rather than just launching into a laundry list of what’s happening and what needs to get done.

The second group, some 60+ teachers gathered around tables in groups of 6-8, and their conversations reflected upon the three questions above. Again, what followed seemed to be a shift in attitude and openness as people shared their closely held beliefs about what is important in their professional and sometimes personal commitments. As I walked around the room and listened in on the conversations and watched those involved in both talking and listening, it became apparent that this exercise had some meaning and value that might in fact have a lasting impact on the community in ways yet to be discovered.

Now into the third week of school, reports are that this was one of the best beginnings of school in recent memory. Why? I keep asking that question to those who tell me and of myself as well and one conclusion is that we began differently, with some focus and purpose intended to connect people with each other in ways that would encourage some additional dimensions of understanding and support. Numerous people reported that enthusiasm and energy seemed at a higher level and there was an atmosphere of positive attitudes, greater confidence and more cooperation. The challenge now is to sustain what we have begun and we will look for ways to do exactly that.