Philosophy

Why do you do what you do?*

Guiding Questions

To help you begin creating a "philosophy" statement, consider how the salient points expressed in the video below relate to public service. How would you answer these questions?

  1. How does innovation drive public service? Why is creative thinking important?

  2. Where do you see yourself on this continuum, i.e., based upon the law of diffusion of innovation?

Source: Law of Diffusion of Technology. Image posted in Start with Why. TBK Consult Blog, 2012
  1. What is an example of something you have pursued with passion primarily because you sincerely believed in why you were doing what you were doing?

  2. What risks were involved?

    • Why did you take them?

    • How did you overcome them?

  3. How would you apply Sinek's "Golden Circle"?

    • Consider "what" you have to offer.

    • Identify and explain "why" it matters.

  4. How does answering "why" you do what you do (over "how" or "what" you do) influence your understanding of who you are, what you value, and why someone else would care?

Source: Simon Sinek Golden Circle. Image posted in How Great Leaders Inspire Action-The Golden Circle. Life-Engineering Blog, 2010.

*The information on this page was adapted from Simon Sinek's TED Talk "How Great Leaders Inspire Action" given May 4, 2010.