Why Discovery
Course
Facilitator’s Guide
For those who are inspired to guide others through
the Why Discovery process
© Copyright Simon Sinek, Inc. All rights reserved.
Introduction
Our Why
We believe in a world where the vast majority of people wake up inspired to go to work and
go home at the end of the day fulfilled by the work they do. One thing that can contribute to
that world is for more and more people to understand and be able to articulate their Why - the
higher purpose, cause or belief that inspires them. When people have clarity of Why, they will
find individual fulfillment by making meaningful contribution in the lives of others.
We wake up everyday to inspire
people to do the things that
inspire them so that together,
we can change our world.
As a Why Discovery facilitator, you are helping us build the world we imagine. Thank you.
What does it mean to be a Why Discovery facilitator?
‘To facilitate’ literally means to make something easier. You don’t have to have professional
training in order to facilitate this process. All you require is a desire to help, an ability to be
curious, listen and ask questions.
Simon Says
“A movement only exists when
people are inspired to move, to
do something, to take up the
cause as their own.”
This guide is intended for:
• Anyone who wants to help others find and articulate their Why as accurately as possible.
• Consultants/Coaches/Trainers who want to use the Why Discovery course as part of their
process.
Thank you again for embarking on this journey to inspire people to do what inspires them.
Together, we will change our world.
Inspire on!
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What’s included in this guide
Tip
Getting ready to facilitate
If you want to jump to
a particular section, just
click on it!
Before you get started............................................................................................ 5
The Golden Circle - origin and context................................................................... 6
Participant intro email............................................................................................. 7
You’ll be taken straight to
that page.
Course content and suggested timeline ................................................................. 9
Ideas to consider................................................................................................. 10
Facilitator Checklist.............................................................................................. 10
Part 1 - Gather your stories
What’s in this section?......................................................................................... 11
Instructions for your participants........................................................................... 11
Things to consider as a facilitator......................................................................... 12
Email template..................................................................................................... 12
Check-in questions.............................................................................................. 13
Part 1 FAQs and suggested answers................................................................... 13
Facilitator checklist............................................................................................... 15
Part 2 - Share your stories with a partner
What’s in this section?......................................................................................... 15
Instructions for your participants........................................................................... 15
Things to consider as a facilitator......................................................................... 16
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Part 2 - Share your stories with a partner (cont)
Check-in questions.............................................................................................. 19
Part 2 FAQs and suggested answers................................................................... 19
Facilitator checklist............................................................................................... 21
Part 3 - Test and apply your Why
What’s in this section?......................................................................................... 21
Instructions for your participants........................................................................... 21
Things to consider as a facilitator......................................................................... 21
Email template..................................................................................................... 22
Check-in questions.............................................................................................. 22
Part 3 FAQs and suggested answers................................................................... 22
Facilitator checklist............................................................................................... 23
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Getting ready to facilitate
Before you get started
To ensure the Why Discovery process moves as smoothly as possible, please review these
points below and the entire guide before you begin facilitating.
• If you have not already, we recommend you take the online Why Discovery course yourself
before facilitating the process for others. Taking the course will help you better relate to
your participants as you will know what they are experiencing.
• You will need a separate user license for each person you lead through the online Why
Discovery course.
• In Part 2 of the course, it is essential for each participant to work with a partner to gain the
best results from the process. For more information on why a partner is important, check
out the “Partner resources” included at the top of page 6.
Consider this
While it is possible to go through
this course on your own, we’ve
learned that the process is much
more effective and powerful
when done with a partner.
Need help?
If you’re stuck or have any
questions, contact us at
startwithwhy.com/contactus
There are a number of options for partnering. Here are some suggestions, however we
recommend you do what feels right in your situation.
Partner options
• You, the facilitator, may act as the partner*
• A participant may choose someone themselves
• Participants in your group may be paired up, taking turns to play the role of partner for
each other
*If you choose to be the partner for a participant, it will be important for you to keep the
two roles of facilitator and partner separate for that specific part of the process.
Make sure you read through the ‘Partner resources’ information below to learn how to be
the best partner possible.
Partner resources:
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• Learn more about how to be a great partner with videos from Simon and an additional
guide at startwithwhy.com/partner
• For more information on the importance of working with a partner, listen to this Start With
Why Podcast episode - Partner to Discover Your Why
Managing participant access
You may have a client that shares your unique code with some or many other friends. If you
begin to see a lot of suspicious accounts in your “profile tab” your code may have been leaked.
Not to worry, we’ve got your back. Simply send us an email through the contact page and
we can refresh your code. This will stop the leaking. You can then go in and simply delete the
accounts you have not authorized.
Deleting accounts
Sometimes you get a client that just doesn’t hold up their end of the bargain. For whatever
reason they are unable to get started with the course. That’s not your fault and we don’t want
you to feel your license has gone to waste. You can delete the account of any participant that
has not begun Part 2 of their Why Discovery Course. Once that course is removed from your
tracking list, you can click “Share Access Code” and grant that license to someone who is
eager to learn their Why.
Simon Says
The Golden Circle - origin and context
Those born out of
personal experience.
We are aware that you may already know quite a bit about the Golden Circle. To ensure that
we set you and your participants up for success, here’s some fundamental information about
the origin of the Golden Circle.
“The best ideas
are the honest ones.
Those that originated to help a
few but ended up helping many.”
The Golden Circle was discovered by Simon Sinek in 2006 when he operated his own
marketing firm. It was a model he had developed to explain why some marketing worked, and
some didn’t. He soon discovered that the Golden Circle had deeper implications to leaders,
entire organizations and our own careers.
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In Chapter 13 of his first book, “Start With Why”, Simon shares his struggles in hitting rock
bottom. Although his business was financially successful, he had lost his passion for it. He
knew what he did and he knew how he did it, but he had no idea why he was doing it. There
was no clear purpose behind his work and he became depressed. All the tips and advice he
was getting from others was not working and he became obsessed with finding his Why — his
higher purpose. This was the driving inspiration that was there when everything was right and
missing when he was at his worst.
Through a lot of personal work and reflection, on his own and with others, Simon found his
Why. He started telling his friends about the amazing discovery he had made. Then his friends
started making crazy life changes, inspired by Simon’s discovery and articulation. Friends
would invite him to their apartments to tell their friends and they would share the idea with
others. This was the beginning of the Start With Why movement.
Simon Says
“Simple ideas are
easy to understand.
Ideas that are easy to
understand can be repeated.
Ideas that are repeated can
change our world.”
The concept the Golden Circle illustrates is certainly not new. What Simon has been able
to do is capture this idea, that has been around for millennia, in a way that is simple, easy to
understand and actionable. To learn more about the Golden Circle and its 3 elements, check
out these resources:
• Watch the TED Talk
• Download the Golden Circle PPT slides
Participant intro email
Those you guide through the Why Discovery process do not necessarily need to have a deep
understanding of the Golden Circle and the concept of Why. However, it is important for them to have
some basic information before beginning the process. We have drafted an email that you may want to
send each participant so they know a little about the Why Discovery Process and what to expect. Feel
free to make changes as you see fit.
See the email template on the next page.
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Subject: Welcome to the Why Discovery Course!
Hi (participant name),
I am really looking forward to guiding you through the online Why Discovery course! In order to make
the experience inspiring, I am sending you an outline of the process so you will have some background
information and know what to expect.
Please watch the ~18 minute TED video by Simon Sinek at the link below. It will provide an overview of
the concepts of the Golden Circle and give some examples of the importance of knowing and living your
Why.
Consider this
The original Why Discovery
course was 14 classes! We’ve
worked hard to bring the
process down to 3 Parts, while
still producing the same quality
in the result - an inspiring
Why statement!
Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action
http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action.html
The Why Discovery Course has three parts.
Part 1 - Gather your stories
Your Why comes from your past experiences. In Part 1 you will be identifying several stories from
three major areas of your life - Work Life, Life Outside of Work, and Early Years.
Part 2 - Share your stories with a partner
It is challenging to discover and articulate your Why by yourself. In Part 2 you will share the details of
a few stories you identified in Part 1 with a partner. You will then work together to form the basis of
your Why statement.
Part 3 - Test and apply your Why
Your Why makes a difference only if you do something with it. In Part 3 you will have the chance to
refine your Why statement and get some tips and ideas on how to put your Why into action.
Watch for another email regarding an initial meeting where we will cover the course timeline in more
detail. You will also have the chance to ask any questions you have before getting started.
Sincerely,
(Facilitator name)
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Course content and suggested timeline
We understand that every situation will be different. While you are welcome to follow a timeline
that makes sense for you and your participants, we have included a suggestion for how
long each section of the course may take. We have also included a brief explanation of what
happens in each section. You may want to discuss the flow of the course with your participants
so they know what to expect.
Part 1 - Gather your stories
Suggested time frame, 7-10 days (roughly 2-3 hrs of course work)
What happens in Part 1:
• A video introduction to the Why Discovery course from Simon Sinek
• Interactive exercises to help the participant identify stories from their past and the
emotions associated with each experience
• Participant identifies and invites a partner to work with in Part 2
Part 2 - Share your stories with a partner
Suggested time frame, ~21 days (roughly 3-4 hrs of course work)
What happens in Part 2:
• Participant shares their stories in detail with a partner, as the partner actively listens,
deepens their understanding of the stories and takes notes
• It is ideal that the participant and partner meet in person for a total of ~3 hrs
• Participant and partner work together to identify common themes, narrow those
themes and draft a Why statement
Consider this
We generally find that the online
course takes people 7-10 hours
to complete.
It’s OK to take longer than that,
as people move at different
paces. If you find a participant
is going over by more than an
hour in any particular section,
encourage them to trust
the process.
Suggest that they set a
timer and move forward as
recommended in the course.
In general, the more thought
and energy a participant puts in,
the more meaning they’ll get out
of the experience.
Break
Prior to Part 3, it’s a good opportunity to step away from the course for about a week to allow
the participant’s Why to “sink in”.
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Part 3 - Test and apply your Why
Suggested time frame, 7-10 days (roughly 2-3 hrs of course work)
What happens in Part 3:
• Participant works to test and refine their Why (as needed)
• A short video series to help the participant identify first steps in bringing their Why
to life
• Participant may sign up for the Habit Changer emails (1 email per day for 30 days with
tips on how to live their Why)
Ideas to consider
This guide will walk you through each part of the course. In addition to instructions and
suggestions regarding facilitation, you will also find three other components in
each section:
• FAQs you may hear in that particular part of the course and suggested answers
• Questions you may want to ask the participants to ensure they are on track
• A Facilitator’s Checklist which you can use to ensure that you, as the facilitator, have
completed certain steps before moving on
Facilitator checklist
Before we move into Part 1, here’s your Facilitator’s checklist for the “Getting ready to
facilitate” section:
r Review the material about the Golden Circle to ensure you have a foundational understanding
r Send each participant an introductory email that includes
r The link to Simon Sinek’s 18 min TED talk
r A basic outline of the course content
r Set up an introductory meeting with participants to further explain course time frames and answer questions before they begin course work
r Set a completion date
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Part 1 - Gather your stories
What’s in this section?
The first section of the course is designed to help participants identify specific experiences or
stories. These stories will come from three areas of their life — work, life outside of work and
early years. They will reveal the pattern that leads to their Why.
Remember
This section of the course
is meant to be done by the
participants, alone. The partner
will not be needed for Part 1.
After an introduction and instructions from Simon, participants will complete interactive
exercises designed to help them identify their stories across these three areas of life. The focus
will be on what we call Level 5 stories - the times when the participant felt at their very best or
at their very worst. These high and low points, and the emotions associated with them, will set
the foundation for discovering their Why.
Note: Part 1 is where the heavy lifting happens. The participant is asked to complete the same
set of exercises for each of the three areas of life. Some can find this process monotonous, but
it is extremely important that the participants thoughtfully complete these exercises. For many
participants, this is the hardest part of the course as they work on their own to identify their
stories and describe the emotions within each of them.
Instructions for your participants
Whether you choose to send an email or speak with your participants in person as they begin
this section, be sure they:
• Know the completion date for Part 1
• Identify and invite a partner for Part 2 before they finish Part 1
• If your participants want more context or help as to how to find or work with a partner,
this podcast episode may provide some insight and inspiration:
Partner to Discover Your Why
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Things to consider as a facilitator
Since Part 1 is heavily dependent on the participant, there is not much for you, as the facilitator,
to do during this section. Consider the following ideas to stay engaged in the process:
• Track participants’ progress through the course by logging into your account at
startwithwhy.com and viewing your Facilitator Tab. Note: to protect the privacy of the
participant, you are not able to access participants’ course to view the details of
their work
• Be available to answer questions as needed
• Review the FAQ at the end of this section so you can be prepared for some of the
questions you may get
• Send an email to participants a few days before the Part 1 completion date to ensure they
are on schedule and have identified their partner (see “Email template” below). If you, as
facilitator, are their partner, adjust this email template accordingly to include your plans to
work together in Part 2
• Consider using the “Check-in questions” in this section to ensure participants are on track
• For some participants, finding a partner can be a daunting task. Check out the “Part 1
FAQs” for ideas to assist in helping a participant find a partner
Email template
You may want to copy and paste the email template on the following page and send it to
your participants:
Why Discovery Course - Facilitator’s Guide © Copyright Simon Sinek, Inc. All rights reserved. v1.5
Consider this
Section 1 is the longest and
most labor intensive part of the
course. If you see someone
is not progressing through the
course at the pace of the group,
reach out.
They may feel alone or a
bit intimidated or frustrated.
Sometimes just having someone
remind us Why we are doing
something and that we are not
alone, can help.
Remind them that knowing their
Why will help them land the job
they love or find like-minded
people to help them. If you
know them personally, tie it to
something you know they are
trying to achieve.
Inspire them!
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Subject: Part 1 Check-in
Hi (participant name)
I hope you are enjoying the Why Discovery course so far. I know Part 1 is a lot of work. The good news is
you have laid the foundation for your discovery ahead!
I am writing to remind you that you should have Part 1 completed by (date). If you happen to be stuck or
have any questions, I am here to help. So, feel free to reach out.
Find a partner
As a reminder, before you complete Part 1, make sure you have identified and invited a partner to help you
with Part 2. Send them the partner information contained in the course (See “Invite Your Partner” slide in
Part 1) so that they have enough time to review it and learn what they need to know to be the best partner
they can be. If you’re having trouble deciding who might be the ideal partner, or feel you don’t have
anyone who fits the mold, not to worry. Reach out so we can work together to figure out the best option
for you.
You will want to make sure that you and your partner have access to the Internet as you work together.
Although most of Part 2 entails sharing your stories with your partner, you’ll still need to watch a couple of
videos from the course as well. If meeting with your partner in person is not possible, try using Skype or
Google Hangout so that you and your partner can see each other as you complete Part 2.
I look forward to being in touch soon.
Sincerely,
(Facilitator name)
Check-in questions
Here are some questions you may want to ask the participants near the end of Part 1 to ensure
they are on track before they move on to Part 2:
1. How impactful and important are the Level 5 stories you have identified in Part 1?
Note: remember it’s not necessarily the biggest events in their life, but those that have the
most energy and emotion around them.
2. Have you found and invited a partner to help you with Part 2? (Unless you, the facilitator,
will be acting as their partner)
3. Have you set a time to meet with your partner for a total of ~3 hours?
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Part 1 FAQs and suggested answers
Tip
Q: How do I fill out the Work Life exercise if I do not currently have a job?
A: Work Life is not limited to a current job. You can use stories and experiences from any of
your past jobs. If you have never had a job, you may also use your experiences as a student, a
volunteer or any other activity that occupies a majority of your time.
Let your participants know
that they do not have to
share anything they are not
comfortable sharing during this
process.
Q: What if I pick the wrong stories? How do I know which ones to pick?
A: There’s no such thing as a ‘wrong’ story. As long as the example is specific and an
experience that matters to you, feel free to use it. It does not need to be a major life event; it
could be something very small and simple that stands out. You want to choose the stories that
give you an emotional response, whether they energize or even upset you.
While an honest look at their
past will ultimately reveal their
Why, the intent is for this
process to be fun and inspiring,
not to bring up negative
emotions from the past.
Q: What if I can’t remember a lot of details about one or more of the stories I am identifying?
A: Don’t worry about the level of detail in Part 1. Just record the first stories and experiences
that come to mind. Don’t over think it. If the story is significant enough to remember, it may be
valuable in Part 2. You may also find that as you begin to talk about it, some of the details will
come back to you.
Low points can provide
meaningful contrast to the high
points, but they are not always
necessary to find the Why.
Q: The exercises are the exact same for each of the three times of my life. Do I really have to
do them all?
A: Yes! It is a bit repetitive and Part 1 is the most difficult part of the course. Hang in there!
These exercises are the foundation for the work you will do with your partner in Part 2. The
hard work in Part 1 will pay off in Part 2, and ultimately, in discovering your Why!
Q: Help! What do I do if I can’t find a partner or do not have anyone in my life to ask?
A: Just like discovering and living your Why, finding a partner takes courage, action and
desire. First off, take ~15 minutes to listen to this podcast episode featuring Simon: Partner to
Discover Your Why. One of the most powerful points that Simon makes is that we can discover
our Why even with a stranger. We do not necessarily need to ask a friend. We could ask
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someone we just met at a coffee shop. What’s most important is that we feel safe and can trust
the partner we choose. So long as the partner cares, is curious and wants to help, they fit the
bill. So, if you really want to discover and live your Why, take a risk and ask someone.
Facilitator Checklist
r Send participants an email reminding them when they should be done with Part 1
r If you will be acting as the partner for your participants, review the partner information at startwithwhy.com/partner
r Ensure each participant has identified a partner for Part 2
r Confirm that the participant has scheduled a time to meet with their partner
Part 2 - Share your stories with a partner
What’s in this section?
Part 2 of the course is where the rubber meets the road. The course will guide them step by
step through the partnering process. Each participant will be sharing his or her Level 5 stories
from Part 1 with their partner. The partner’s main role is to listen, take notes and ask clarifying
questions to gain a deeper understanding of how the participant felt during the experience.
Once the storytelling is done, the participant and partner will work together as a pair.
Consider this
We have an innate need and
desire to come to the rescue
when someone approaches us
with a problem or challenge.
We assume that what they need
is someone to fix their problem
and who better than us to take
of that?
Well, actually, there’s no one
better equipped to work through
a problem than the person
having it. Who else knows
exactly what they are feeling,
thinking or wanting? No one!
Where we can help, is by
drawing out the answer through
thoughtful questions and active
listening.
They will identify the recurring patterns, themes, key words and ideas that emerged from the
participant’s stories. Once those themes have been identified, the pair will work together to
narrow the themes that stand out. Lastly, they will work together to come up with a draft Why
statement for the participant.
Instructions for your participants
Whether you choose to send an email or speak with your participants in person as they begin
this section, be sure they:
• Meet with their partner (in person, if possible) to complete Part 2
• Know the completion date for Part 2
• Take a break between Part 2 and 3, for roughly one week, to let their Why settle in
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Things to consider as the facilitator
Part 2 may keep you a little busier as a facilitator. This is the section where the participants will
begin putting words to their Why. Because this is a challenge, they may seek your help and
advice.
Avoid the temptation to jump in and give an answer to a participant’s questions regarding their
Why. Rather, listen to what they have to say and ask more questions to help them come to their
own conclusion and help you gain a deeper understanding. Often, all that’s needed is for you
to say something like ‘tell me a little more about that’ or ‘what else can you share about that
experience that really affected you?’
The Why is most meaningful when it comes from the participant’s vocabulary. This is the reason
the best default is to ask questions and listen before providing your thoughts.
Consider this
Don’t be afraid to give the email
templates a little personal flair.
Better yet, follow your email
up with a phone call. Trusting
relationships are the result of
genuine caring and personal
touches — in other words,
being human!
“Emails get reactions.
Phone calls start conversations.”
- Simon
Of course, there will be some questions about the process or the structure of their Why
statement where they may simply need your help. We have included some of those in the “Part
2 FAQs”. Another tool that may help comes from the “Check-in” exercise toward the end of
Part 2. This resource, which we’ve included on the following page, focuses on what makes a
good Why statement. It may be helpful for you, as the facilitator.
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Example Why Statements
Good ones
To amplify the strengths of others so that they can consistently operate from a
place of greatness.
Consider this
As a guideline, a good Why is:
• Simple, short and
easy to understand
• Void of Whats, the tangible
things we do
• Clear and can be understood
without further explanation
To propel positive change so that people can progress toward the things that
really matter to them.
Almost there
To learn from all my experiences so that I can be well-equipped to tackle the
challenges I face.
To do good in the world, to build skills and to learn constantly and have a clear
sense of direction/vision, so that I am accomplishing much for myself, my family
and my community, effectively and successfully.
Need a little work
To build two business so that I can make the business world that I can touch, a
better place and make enough money to spend quality time living.
To help my clients manage every aspect of their wealth so that they can rest
assured that no stone is unturned in their wealth management.
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As they progress through Part 2:
• Review the “Part 2 FAQs” so you can be prepared for some of the questions you may
be asked
• Monitor participant progress
• Answer questions as necessary
• Send an email (see “Email template” below) to participants a few days before the Part 2
completion date to ensure they are on schedule for completion
• Consider asking the “Check-in questions” (page 19) toward the end of Part 2 to ensure
participants are on track
Consider this
Really struggling with a question
from a participant?
If you feel stuck, let us know
and we’ll do our best to help!
Visit startwithwhy.com/contactus
Email template
Subject: Part 2 Check-in
Hi (participant name)
It is almost time to wrap up Part 2 of the Why Discovery course. By now you may have already articulated
your Why! If you’re not quite there, perhaps I can help. You still have a few days, as we are scheduled to
be done with Part 2 by (x date).
Take a break
Once you are done with Part 2, we are going to take a one week break from the online course to let our
discoveries settle in. This break is an important part of the Why Discovery process.
As always, if you are stuck or have questions, I am here to help.
Sincerely,
(facilitator name)
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Check-in questions
Here are some questions you may want to ask the participants near the end of Part 2 to help
them find a Why statement that feels right:
1. How do you think your Why may apply to your current role, either at work, at home
or elsewhere?
2. What specific story or metaphor best represents your Why?
3. Do you feel like sharing your Why with others? If not, what’s keeping you from wanting to
share it?
• Note: there may be a variety of reasons why we are hesitant to share our Why. We may
feel like the job we have or what we’re doing at the present time is not aligned with
our purpose, cause or belief. By sharing it with others, we may feel like we are living
authentically. We may also feel awkward talking about something so deeply personal
right away. Be sensitive to these issues and support your participants by listening,
empathizing and encouraging them.
4. Have you shared your Why statement with anyone else? How has it felt?
Part 2 FAQs and suggested answers
Q: How much detail should I give in the stories I tell my partner?
A: The details that are most important are the specific feelings you had during the experience.
The color of your shirt or whether the sun was shining or not may not be important. Focus
on the specific feelings. Do your best to use descriptive words that really identify how you
were feeling. Try to beyond words like happy, sad, excited etc. Allow your partner to use their
curiosity to find out more.
Q: My Why just does not feel right yet. Did I do it wrong?
A: Because the Why comes from the part of the brain that controls feelings but does not
control language, putting words to the Why can be a real challenge. If you do not feel like you
are there yet, go back and tell another Level 5 story. Have your partner identify the elements
of the story that had the most energy around them. If you are out of Level 5 stories, choose
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19
another story or experience that evoked the same kind of emotion. Chances are, even if you do
not yet have the exact words, you are still in the right ballpark. Keep at it!
Q: How do I figure out my Hows so I can start applying my Why?
A: A good place to start to identify your Hows is with the words and phrases you captured after
the Narrow Themes exercise. It is likely that one of your themes became the main idea for your
Why. All those other themes are valuable too. They also resonate, just not as deeply as the
Why does. These remaining themes may be the guiding principles and the actions you take that
can help you live your Why.
Note: Hows must be verbs so you can put them into action. For example: ‘integrity’ is not
actionable. ‘Do the right thing - even if no one is looking’ is a good example of what integrity
means, in action, i.e. a proper How statement. Tune into these podcast episodes to learn more
about Hows:
Values: More than words on a poster - Part 1 (http://bit.ly/1d1kcWQ)
Values: More than words on a poster - Part 2 (http://bit.ly/1gKRoVr)
Q: What if I can’t remember a lot of detail from my Level 5 stories?
A: Specific memories are important. If you really cannot remember a lot of details from a
particular story, try telling a different one. The most important part of these stories is the way
you felt, how the experience you are sharing affected you or stuck with you, and
impacted others.
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Facilitator checklist
r Send participants an email reminding them when they should be done with Part 2
r Remind participants to take about a week break from the online course. They just did a
lot of heavy lifting. Allowing the experience they just went through to sink in for a few days
will help them look at their Why from a fresh set of eyes when they come back for Part 3.
They may also start taking small steps to bring their Why to life.
Simon Says
“The only way to find out if it will
work is simple - do it.”
Part 3 - Test and apply your Why
What’s in this section?
Part 3 serves two functions. First, the participants will have the opportunity to complete a few
additional exercises to fine tune their Why statement and make sure it feels great. Second, they
will get some initial tips on putting their Why into action. They will have the chance to sign up
for the Habit Changer emails, which are daily emails (for 30 consecutive days) with simple tips
and resources to help them bring their Why to life.
Instructions for your participants
• Complete Part 3 and put your Why into action!
• Note: there are optional exercises at the beginning of Part 3 that only need to be done
if the participants is still working on their Why statement. Even if the participant feels
confident with their Why, these exercises can further validate that feeling and may be
worth exploring.
Things to consider as the facilitator
Help participants remember that this is a process. The words may not be perfect by the end
of the course. However, if their Why ‘feels right’, that’s a strong measure of success. It means
they are in the right ballpark, which is all they need to take action. The words will come over
time as they continue to put their Why into action. Wordsmithing your Why statement behind
your desk is less effective than putting what you feel your Why is into action.
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As they progress through Part 3:
• Monitor participant progress
• Answer questions as necessary
• Review the “Part 3 FAQs” below so you can be prepared for some of the questions you
may get
• Send an email (see “Email template” below) to participants a few days before the Part 3
completion date to ensure they are on schedule for completion
Email template
Subject: Almost there!
Hi (participant name)
You have nearly completed the Why Discovery course! It has been a pleasure for me to guide you through
this process. I hope the experience has been an enlightening, inspiring and impactful one for you as well.
You have got just a few days left to complete Part 3 and should have it wrapped up by (x date). Note that
you will have access to the course for 12 month from your start date. However, you will always be able to
find your summaries in your profile.
Guess what?
The “Friends Exercise” in Part 3
came about as a result of some
conversations Simon had with
his friends during his own Why
discovery process.
He noticed that as he was
asking his friends what it was
about him they loved, they
all said that in some way, he
inspired them.
This became the root of his
Why - To inspire people to do
the things that inspire them so
that together we can change our
world.
Again, congratulations on discovering your Why. I am excited to speak with you more in the coming days
and weeks about the difference it’s making for you and those you serve.
As always, if you are stuck or have questions, I am here to help.
Sincerely,
(facilitator name)
Check-in questions
Here are some questions you may want to ask the participants near the end of Part 2 to help
them find a Why statement that feels right:
1. Is there anything about your Why that does not feel like it fits? If so, what is it or what
is missing?
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• Note: to validate or test a participant’s Why, you can ask the participant to share one of
their Level 5 stories to see what elements of that story really affected them deeply. You
can use a Level 5 story that had not previously shared or even a new meaningful story
that emerges.
2. Have you begun to implement your Why in any way? What have been the results?
Part 3 FAQs and suggested answers
Simon is Inspired by
One of Simon’s favorite quotes
is this one by Henry Ford “Whether you think you can
or you think you can’t,
you’re right.”
Q: Can I do the Friends Exercise over the phone?
A: As with most conversations, speaking to someone in person will be most effective. Because
you are looking for something emotional, being with the other person is a big advantage. You
can see their body language and sense their feelings for you much more effectively than you
can over the phone. If meeting virtually is the only option, use Skype, Google Hangout or
another platform that allows you to actually see each other. Then go for it!
Q: Won’t my family, friends and colleagues think it’s odd that all of a sudden I am thinking and
communicating differently now that I know my Why?
A: It is possible! Often people worry that when they go through a discovery like this and begin
to change the way they think, act and communicate, that others will see them as different or
even fake. Consider talking to your family, friends and colleagues and sharing a little about the
process you have just completed. Once they have the context, not only will they be more likely
to understand, they may even begin to help you. And remember, your Why is likely the reason
that your closest friends already love you. Discovering and sharing your Why may inspire them!
Q: What if I have come to the realization that my current job or a relationship does not align
with my Why?
A: Only you know the answer to this one. Consider sharing what you have learned with others
who may share common values and beliefs. If they have an interest, perhaps there is an
opportunity for you to initiate some positive change. If they are not open to your ideas or desires
for change, you will need to evaluate the benefits and costs of staying in the current situation or
not. It is not an easy decision. This is the reason living our Why is an act of courage.
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Tip: sometimes, taking the time to understand the higher cause or purpose of the organization
we work for helps us see the valuable contribution we make to help bring that cause to life. This
podcast episode may help: How do I find out my company’s Why? (http://bit.ly/1kkrp70)
Facilitator checklist
r Send participants an email reminding them when they should be done with Part 3
r Remind participants about the Habit Changer Emails. They can opt in via the course
or their profile on startwithwhy.com. Habit Changer provides tips and tools to help the
particpants live their Why.
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Closing thoughts
Thank you again for choosing to be a facilitator of the Why Discovery process. Now that you know the process, we sincerely
hope you will lead many others to discovering their Why. The more people who know their Why, the more people will be
fulfilled by what they do. Since we know you are someone who lives in service to others, we will keep you informed of other
tools that may help you inspire. You are an important part of this movement!
For any further questions or support, please contact us at startwithwhy.com/contactus.
Inspire on!
Ideas alone don’t change our world for the
better. Ideas that inspire action do.
When we share the ideas that inspire us in a
way that inspires others to take action, we
can build the world we imagine.
We’d love to hear your feedback about this guide and the experience you’ve had using it.
Tell us your story at startwithwhy.com/contactus.
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