Why Every Leader Needs a Strong 'Why'

Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions—checking off tasks, making decisions, leading teams—but something still feels… off? Like you’re moving forward but not entirely sure why?

If that resonates with you, you’re not alone. Leaders in both the civilian and military worlds often find themselves caught in the grind—focused on the mission, the next goal, the next challenge. But without a strong why, leadership can feel like an uphill battle.

What Exactly Is Your ‘Why’?

Your why is your purpose. It’s the reason you do what you do. It’s what fuels you on the hard days, keeps you grounded when decisions are tough, and inspires others to follow your lead.

Simon Sinek famously said, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” That’s not just true for business—it’s true for leadership. People don’t just follow titles or rank; they follow vision, purpose, and passion.

Why Your ‘Why’ Matters in Leadership

1️⃣ It Drives Resilience. Leadership isn’t easy. Whether you’re leading troops, running a company, or managing a team, you’ll face setbacks. A clear why keeps you pushing forward even when the road gets rough.

2️⃣ It Inspires Those You Lead. People don’t want to follow someone who’s just going through the motions. They want to follow a leader who has conviction—who knows why they show up every day. When your why is clear, your passion becomes contagious.

3️⃣ It Prevents Burnout. Leadership without purpose leads to exhaustion. If you don’t have a compelling reason behind what you do, it’s easy to feel drained. A strong why acts like fuel, keeping your fire burning even in challenging times.

How I Found My ‘Why’: Purpose, Direction, and Motivation

Throughout my military career, I lived by my mantra: Purpose, Direction, and Motivation.

✅ Purpose gave me clarity—it reminded me why I put on the uniform, why I served, and why leadership mattered. 

✅ Direction kept me focused—it ensured that I wasn’t just reacting to circumstances but leading with intention. 

✅ Motivation fueled me—it helped me push forward even when the mission was tough, and it allowed me to inspire those I led.

That mantra became my guiding force, both in the military and in business. It shaped my leadership style and helped me overcome moments of doubt. And here’s what I’ve learned—without those three things, it’s easy to lose your way.

How to Find (or Reignite) Your ‘Why’

Reflect on Your Journey. Think back to why you started leading in the first place. What motivated you to step up? What moments have reaffirmed your commitment?

Ask Yourself: What Impact Do I Want to Leave? Your why isn’t just about today—it’s about the legacy you’re building. What do you want people to say about your leadership when you’re no longer in that role?

Align Your Daily Actions with Your Purpose. If your why is about developing future leaders, are you mentoring people? If it’s about making a difference in your industry, are you taking actions that contribute to change? Your why should be reflected in what you do every day.

Final Thoughts

Leadership is more than strategy, tactics, or decision-making—it’s about purpose. Whether you wear a uniform or a suit, lead a battalion or a boardroom, your why is what sets you apart.

If you haven’t defined yours yet, now is the time. And if you have, revisit it. Strengthen it. Live it.

I wrote Finding Your Why: A Path Towards Finding Your True Purpose in Life and Your Journey of Self-Discovery to help leaders like you gain clarity on your mission and impact. If you’re ready to dive deeper into uncovering your why, check it out!

So, let me ask you—what’s YOUR why?