Partner @ Leading Figures | Risk Actuary | Systemic Coach | People Focused | Team Dynamics and Culture | Board Advisory
“Understanding the ‘why’ we do what we do, versus ‘what’ and ‘how’ we do it can help us find a deeper level of connection to life.” [Barbour, Widdowson (2021)] There is a difference to sitting down on a chair (the how), from falling into a chair (the why). [Spunt et al (2010)] If you were asked ‘how’ you physically sit down, you think of the movements, If you were asked ‘why’ you sit down, you will have many deeper reasons. Our purpose ‘why’ connects to an emotional level. Behaviour and communication needs to start with ‘why’, not ‘what’. So, our work purpose, the ‘why’, could be asked: ‘Why’ do you go to work? The answer (likely) isn’t to, eg: ‘Ensure the organisation’s compliance with regulation’. It will be deeper than that. Let’s have a go at finding our purpose. This is about connecting to something deeper than the ‘what’ or ‘how’. Pick a personal object, 🎸 or a personal photograph 🎞️ that has a lot of meaning to you. Think about how you acquired the object What it means to you And how it could link to a personal purpose. For me, this is an old worn photograph i keep of my dad. He’s probably not that much older than me now, But he’s not here now, It even went across the Sahara with me. For me, this represents family and health, and taking care of people around me. I can do this through my coaching, and being there for people. What about you? What is that deeper purpose you have and connect with? Why do you do what you do? _________________ I’m Richard and I help teams and organisations improve what they do by taking an aligned systemic and detailed approach. Please DM me for more information.
Husnain Rasheed
2mo
Beautifully said Richard! Connecting with our 'why' is indeed a powerful way to find meaning and purpose. Your personal story about the photograph of your dad is touching.
Deena Priest
2mo
Who we are and why we do things comes out most clearly through why. We are more than a title or a job. Our influence is much far greater than what we do in a role. Richard Galbraith
Ryan Keeler
2mo
Oh yes, I'm a huge advocate for this Richard Galbraith. If we don't understand the 'why', then we live our whole life slightly skimming the surface of what's possible
Harit Bhasin
2mo
Finding the 'why' in what we do can guide us to a more fulfilling life.
Stephen Lock
2mo
There's no fixed answer for me. But there's a set of feelings, emotions, values and behaviours that I want toned up (or down).
It’s amazing how a simple object can unlock deeper insights about what truly drives us. Richard Galbraith
Marc Lawn
2mo
What a great question to ask ourselves. So often we are caught up in action without realising the beauty of the motion when we find our flow, so to speak Richard Galbraith
Focusing on the 'why' brings deeper meaning to everything we do, especially in personal connections. Richard Galbraith
Atomic Ambition
2mo
Understanding the why behind our work fosters deeper engagement and long-term motivation. While the what and how are essential, it’s purpose that drives real impact. This approach isn’t just personal. It transforms leadership, team alignment, and organisational success. When people connect their daily work to a bigger mission, performance and fulfilment improve.
Helping Midlifers Escape the Corporate Treadmill & Transition to What’s Next 🦋 | Midlife Coach | Ex-Microsoft, HP, PwC
2moGreat thought provoking post Richard. The clarity of our Why is oh so powerful but far more slippery than What or How. It needs some work to uncover. I am sure your coaching will help many on their Why.