Having a centered purpose, a reason why we do something is a critical component of success. This point is well made in many business books, videos and blogs. Perhaps you are familiar with the popular wisdom of Simon Sinek’s 2009 TED talk, “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” where he eloquently makes the observation that “people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.”

Having a well defined ‘why’ is a clarity point for leaders and organizations. It can become the cause that unifies a team, creating a culture that contributes to your company’s values and attracts talent. This clarity sets priorities and defines the actions of your leadership group each day. It can help make decisions and guide strategy. Perhaps above all, it can be the reason you keep going. Having a ‘why’ we circle back to often helps us get up when we can’t seem to catch a break or when trudging through the mud is exhausting. When our resolve is tested the why can provide confidence we are indeed on the right path. I think my point is made. A truthful and genuine ‘why’ is critical.

As I build a consulting business, it is not lost on me that I will have success and failure. It will be hard work and there will be days when I I need to remind myself the work is worth it. There will be times I need to dust the dirt off and try again. I feel prepared for those moments due to taking the time to ensure the reason why I am a business management consultant goes beyond the benefit of paychecks.

Here is my why:

Purpose
I genuinely believe I can help others with valuable ideas an experience.
My why is centered on a core belief that I have value to add. This is born from the experiences of my past and the drive to help others succeed. I belong as a business management consultant because I have faith in my abilities and I know I can help.

Freedom
I desire the freedom of choice in clients, workflow, priority, and project.
Working for myself allows me to achieve a work life balance that renews me. I enjoy being accountable to myself and designing my day and week around when I will be most productive.

Wins
A company's success is my success and I love the joy that comes with it.
Winning is fun. There is relief when a long lasting challenge or obstacle is overcome and it provides a renewed energy. Winning creates a positive culture. By working as a consultant I am able to actively contribute to fresh new thinking and to winning.

Passion
I’m most engaged when my time and skill investment is within my control.
I find that working on my business or the priorities determined by my business has a remarkable impact on how I view work and the time spent working. When I am passionate about what I do I am eager to get to work each day.

Knowledge
Continuous learning keeps me sharp and able to contribute.
I enjoy wearing many different hats and being proficient at a number of skills with multiple areas of expertise. I find learning to be a catalyst for creativity. A work culture of constant development is attractive to me.

Generosity
Providing value to leaders and companies is a way of giving.
Living generously is a powerful way of building meaningful relationships and opening new doors.

Curiosity
Providing solutions requires challenging the current assumptions.
Problem solving is fun and working as a consultant allows for break through to occur by challenging the status quo.

Summary

I hope showing the “why” of Amplify and Sustain Consulting is motivating for you and prompts you to think through yours. Reviewing my ‘why’ with regularity is motivating for me and keeps me focused. The reasons why I am in business management consulting helps me stay focused on priorities, ensure the priorities are indeed correct and carry on in the face of adversity. It is a compass or guiding light for me.

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