The Power of 'WHY': Aligning Purpose in Museums and Business

A museum is more than just a collection of artifacts—it's a curated narrative that reflects a deeper purpose, much like Simon Sinek 's concept of starting with "WHY." Just as a museum's mission shapes every exhibit, a company's "WHY" serves as the foundation for its strategies and decisions. The "WHY" guides the museum in selecting pieces that resonate with its core message and values, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a meaningful experience. Similarly, in business, understanding and staying true to the "WHY" aligns the interests of all stakeholders, creating a purpose-driven approach that drives both success and impact.

In the fast-evolving landscape of business, Sinek’s concept of starting with "WHY" resonates deeply with the foundational lessons in Week 1 of Module 1 in the OMBA program. As we explore the interplay between firms and stakeholders in creating and capturing value amidst global change, it becomes clear that understanding the "WHY" behind a company’s existence is crucial. This "WHY" serves as the guiding beacon that aligns the interests of shareholders and a broader set of stakeholders, ensuring that the firm remains committed to its core purpose while adapting to new economic realities.

Just as a museum carefully curates its exhibits to align with its mission, the first week of this module challenges us to consider a firm’s responsibilities not just to its shareholders but to all stakeholders involved. By comparing shareholder and stakeholder views, we delve into the intricate balance between profit maximization and social responsibility. Here, Sinek’s Golden Circle framework becomes invaluable, encouraging us to prioritize the "WHY" before the "HOW" and "WHAT" in our business strategies. This alignment ensures that firms can navigate the complexities of today's global market, where the merger of physical products and digital services is creating new avenues for value creation and capture.

As we move forward in this module, applying these principles to our Capstone Project, we are reminded that a firm’s success lies in its ability to stay true to its "WHY" while embracing innovation and change. Whether through traditional physical products or emerging digital platforms, the focus on "WHY" will guide firms in making decisions that not only drive profitability but also resonate with the values of their stakeholders. In doing so, we pave the way for a business model that is both sustainable and impactful in the long run—much like a museum’s enduring legacy is built on its unwavering commitment to its core purpose.

What drives your leadership? How do you align your purpose with your team’s progress? As you think about your own journey, I invite you to share your experiences. Have you faced challenges in keeping your 'WHY' front and center, especially when navigating tough decisions? Let's start a conversation—what's worked for you in leading with purpose? Your insights could inspire others.