Hello, everyone! I am passionate about helping individuals, not limited to those typically considered "creative people," unlock their creative rhythm. My goal is to empower them to explore their creative potential, whether or not they have a background or career related to it. I firmly believe that everyone possesses creativity and has the capacity to express it. In addition, I am dedicated to mentoring and coaching graphic designers, motion graphics artists, UX designers, and illustrators on their creative journeys. My aim is to guide and support them in developing their creative skills and achieving their goals.
My Mentoring Topics
- creativity
- creative collaboration
- graphic design
- creative team management
- brand identity
- social media identity
- logo creation
- editorial design
- profile
- cv creation
- creative coaching
- graphic design mentiorship
F.
13.June 2024I thoroughly enjoyed my session with Gilda. Her approachable manner and attentive listening helped her understand my objectives and assist me in exploring options. I left the session with a clear plan for my next steps. And would recommend her mentoring to others.
k.
13.June 2024My session with Gilda was amazing. She was super friendly and listened attentively to all my questions. She was very understanding and extremely helpful. Gilda answered all my questions and gave me valuable tips that will definitely help me not only in my work but also in moving forward in life. You can see she has a lot of experience in what she does. I highly recommend anyone looking to improve their work or seeking creative support to book a session with her.
L.
7.May 2024Thank you Gilda for another great session mentoring me about content, font, colours, templates and de-mystifying the website design process!
L.
30.April 2024Thank you so much for today's session. It was great to discuss the basics of the "mini-brand" and to be able to decide between pre-set templates and AI templates. Looking forward to our next session!
N.
4.March 2024Gilda is a great person and offers good advice. She knows what she is talking about!
I.
28.February 2024The session with Gilda was great and exactly what I needed. You can tell she is very creative by the way she was brainstorming with me for ideas on what I could do in the future, related to the goals I have. She is very social and easy to talk to. The websites she recommended are extremely helpful and it is always good to have someone cheering in your corner for your ideas! Thanks, Gilda. Keep in touch!
G.
26.February 2024Had a great session, she cleared all my questions and gave me a clear understanding.
D.
12.February 2024Truth be told, session with Gilda was really helpful for me because l learnt a lot here. Thank you so much Gilda for your time to help not only me but others in their creative journey, keep up the great work. Thank you for the session Mentoring club team.
C.
22.January 2024I expected from this session to be guided through the redesign of my social media profile, to be directed to the best platform to start with and to reconsider my online presence as I struggled with sharing my work with the world. Gilda was very patient and listened carefully to understand my needs. It was an open conversation, she shared some feedback based on her experience and showed examples to better illustrate her point. I like the fact she also shared some examples to ignite my inspiration. My session with Gilda was very interesting and full of insights. In sum, it was an eye-opener. Therefore I highly recommend her as she knows her stuff.
L.
4.December 2023I would like to thank the wonderful Gilda for our discussion about kicking off my "mini-brand". It was great having a critical and supportive friend to bounce idea off. As with everything, creation is an ongoing process that changes with life, ideas and circumstances. I was initially daunted by the idea of creating my own website but Gilda helped me break it down into bite-size pieces. I even have a short list of action points to work on over the holidays. I am very much looking forward to seeing the first draft take shape. Gilda has been so kind with her time, ideas and creative experience. She brings in a wealth of knowledge of different languages, cultures and audiences. Would highly recommend having a creative chat with her!
Y.
31.October 2023It was a lovely pleasure to have a conversation with Gilda she offered me some valuable insights and also shared about her previous experiences, and how she's approached projects for different types of clients . She also gave great suggestions on how I can organize my goals into a written format that will also provide me with more structure. We also discussed organizing and balancing remote and on-site teams across different locations, ways of building trust with new contractors and she had some valuable suggestions on what I should consider moving forward. Many thanks to Gilda and I look forward to catching up again soon.
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Creative Acts For Curious People - How to Think, Create, and Lead in Unconventional Ways
Sarah Stein Greenberg, Stanford d.school
Key Facts and Insights The book is a handbook for thinking creatively, offering a multitude of exercises, reflections, and methodologies that help foster innovative thinking. It emphasizes the importance of curiosity and empathy in the creative process and in leadership. It introduces the concept of "design thinking," a problem-solving approach used at Stanford's d.school that focuses on user needs and iterative testing. The book stresses the importance of embracing failure as a natural part of the creative process and an opportunity for learning and growth. It introduces the notion of "flipping the script," or challenging existing assumptions and narratives, as a way to generate fresh ideas. It discusses the role of prototyping in transforming abstract ideas into tangible solutions and promoting collaborative learning. The book provides practical advice on how to lead creative teams, including fostering a safe environment for risk-taking and encouraging diverse perspectives. It includes numerous real-world examples of creative acts and unconventional thinking, from doctors designing better patient experiences to engineers solving sustainability issues. It underscores the importance of storytelling in communicating and implementing innovative ideas effectively. It encourages readers to adopt a "beginner's mindset" – being open, curious, and willing to learn – as a key to creativity. It advocates for the integration of creative thinking not just in design and art, but in any field – from business and education to science and policy-making. In-Depth Analysis In "Creative Acts for Curious People", Sarah Stein Greenberg, the Executive Director of Stanford's d.school, provides a comprehensive guide on how to foster creativity, innovation, and leadership in unconventional ways. This book, which is a result of her years of experience in the field, serves as a useful resource for anyone seeking to enhance their creative skills, regardless of their profession. The book's approach is rooted in design thinking, an iterative, human-centered strategy commonly used in product design and increasingly applied to tackle complex problems in various fields. This process emphasizes understanding user needs, ideating solutions, prototyping, and testing – all themes that are recurrent throughout the book. Curiosity is another recurring theme. Greenberg suggests that curiosity drives creativity and innovation, pushing us to ask questions, explore new ideas, and challenge the status quo. This is where the concept of "flipping the script" comes into play – by questioning existing narratives and assumptions, we can generate fresh insights and solutions. Greenberg also stresses the importance of empathy in the creative process. By understanding others' perspectives and experiences, we can design solutions that truly meet their needs. This is particularly evident in the real-world examples she provides, from doctors improving patient experiences to engineers addressing sustainability issues. Embracing failure is another integral part of the creative process, according to Greenberg. Instead of fearing failure, we should see it as a learning opportunity – a chance to iterate, improve, and grow. This ties in with the concept of prototyping, which transforms abstract ideas into tangible solutions and allows for testing and refinement. The book also provides valuable advice on leading creative teams. Greenberg highlights the need for leaders to foster an environment where risk-taking is encouraged, diverse perspectives are valued, and failure is seen as a stepping stone towards success. Finally, the importance of storytelling and adopting a "beginner's mindset" are underscored. Storytelling is key in communicating and implementing ideas effectively, while a beginner's mindset – being open, curious, and eager to learn – is crucial for creativity. Overall, "Creative Acts for Curious People" offers a wealth of insights and practical strategies for thinking, creating, and leading in unconventional ways. It advocates for the integration of creative thinking in all fields, underscoring the notion that everyone can benefit from adopting a design thinking approach. It serves not only as a manual for creativity but also as a testament to the power of curiosity, empathy, and resilience in driving innovation and progress.
ViewCreative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All
David Kelley, Tom Kelley
Key Insights from "Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All" Creativity is inherent in everyone: The book asserts that everyone has creative potential, it's just a matter of unlocking it. Overcoming the fear of failure: The authors emphasize the importance of moving past the fear of failure to foster creativity. Embrace a growth mindset: This refers to the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Iterative process: The book introduces the concept of an iterative process, in which ideas are developed, tested, refined, and tested again. Importance of empathy: The authors highlight empathy as a crucial component in the creative process and innovation. Role of collaboration: The value of working as a team to generate and refine ideas is emphasized. Design Thinking: The book provides an in-depth explanation of the Design Thinking methodology. Human-Centered Design: The authors advocate for designs that prioritize human needs and experiences. Prototyping is crucial: The book stresses the importance of creating prototypes to test ideas. Reframing problems: The authors suggest that looking at a problem from different perspectives can lead to innovative solutions. Importance of storytelling: The book highlights how compelling narratives can foster creativity and innovation. An In-Depth Analysis of "Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All" "Creative Confidence" by David Kelley and Tom Kelley is a compelling piece of work that seeks to debunk the myth that creativity is the preserve of a select few. The book argues that creativity is inherent in everyone and can be harnessed with the right mindset and approach. The authors, renowned for establishing the d.school at Stanford University and the global design company IDEO, introduce the concept of Design Thinking, an innovative problem-solving approach that combines empathy, creativity, and rationality. This methodology is rooted in a human-centered design philosophy that prioritizes people's needs and experiences. One of the main barriers to creativity, as identified in the book, is the fear of failure. The authors suggest that this fear stems from societal conditioning that punishes mistakes rather than viewing them as learning opportunities. To overcome this, they propose embracing a growth mindset, which posits that abilities can be honed through effort and perseverance. This perspective encourages risk-taking and experimentation, essential conditions for creativity and innovation to thrive. The book also underscores the value of an iterative process in the creative journey. This involves generating ideas, testing them, refining based on feedback, and testing again. Prototyping is highlighted as a crucial step in this process, allowing for early detection and rectification of flaws before the final product or solution is developed. Empathy plays a central role in the Design Thinking methodology as presented in the book. By understanding people's needs, emotions, and experiences, we can develop solutions that truly resonate with them. This approach fosters deeper connections and promotes innovative solutions that are user-centric. The authors also highlight the importance of collaboration in the creative process. They argue that diverse perspectives can enrich the ideation process, leading to more comprehensive and innovative solutions. Reframing problems is another powerful strategy proposed in the book. By changing our perspective, we can uncover hidden opportunities and come up with novel solutions. The authors provide numerous examples to illustrate how this reframing can lead to breakthrough innovations. Finally, the authors emphasize the importance of storytelling in fostering creativity and innovation. They argue that a well-crafted narrative can inspire, motivate, and engage, thus driving the creative process forward. In conclusion, "Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All" is a thought-provoking book that provides valuable insights and practical tips on nurturing creativity. It encourages us to challenge our assumptions, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and adopt a human-centered approach to problem-solving. By doing so, we can unlock our inherent creative potential and drive innovation in our personal and professional lives.
ViewDesign for Belonging - How to Build Inclusion and Collaboration in Your Communities
Susie Wise, Stanford d.school
Key Facts and Insights from the Book The concept of 'belonging' is a crucial component of a successful community or organization. Design thinking can be applied to creating an environment of inclusion and collaboration. The importance of empathy and understanding in fostering a sense of belonging. The value of diversity and inclusion in enhancing creativity and innovation. The role of leadership in cultivating an inclusive and collaborative culture. The significance of creating safe spaces for dialogue and engagement. The impact of physical space design on promoting inclusivity and collaboration. Applying a human-centric approach in building communities. The importance of continuous learning and adaptation in fostering inclusivity. The role of storytelling in fostering a sense of belonging and community. How to measure and evaluate the success of inclusivity efforts. In-depth Analysis and Conclusions "Design for Belonging - How to Build Inclusion and Collaboration in Your Communities" by Susie Wise, Stanford d.school, is an insightful exploration of how to cultivate inclusivity and collaboration in various social structures, be it organizations, education institutions, or communities. The book is deeply rooted in the principles of design thinking – a human-centric approach to problem-solving, which has been extensively studied and practiced in various fields such as business innovation, education, and social change. The opening chapters of the book pivot around the importance of 'belonging' as a vital component of any successful community or organization. The author rightly points out that belonging is a deeply human need, and when individuals feel that they belong, they are more likely to contribute positively to the community. This concept aligns with Maslow's hierarchy of needs, where a sense of belonging is considered a fundamental human motivation. Wise then delves into how design thinking can be applied to create environments that foster inclusion and collaboration. It is about understanding the needs and experiences of people, and designing solutions that address those needs. This approach emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in fostering a sense of belonging. This is in line with the principles of Emotional Intelligence, which posits that understanding others' emotions is key to successful interpersonal relationships. The book also highlights the value of diversity and inclusion in enhancing creativity and innovation. This is a concept that has been well-established in organizational studies, where diverse teams have been found to produce more innovative solutions. Wise suggests that leaders play a significant role in cultivating an inclusive and collaborative culture, a concept that resonates with Transformational Leadership Theory, which emphasizes the leaders' role in inspiring and motivating followers. The author also discusses the significance of creating safe spaces for dialogue and engagement, which is crucial in fostering inclusivity. This is reminiscent of the concept of 'Psychological Safety' proposed by Amy Edmondson, which suggests that people are more likely to engage and contribute when they feel safe to express their thoughts and ideas. In later chapters, Wise discusses the impact of physical space design on promoting inclusivity and collaboration. This is a relatively new field of study, but research has shown that the design of physical spaces can significantly impact individuals' behaviors and interactions. One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is the emphasis on storytelling. Wise suggests that sharing personal stories can foster a sense of community and belonging. This is in sync with Narrative Psychology, which posits that storytelling is a fundamental human method of making sense of the world. Finally, the book provides guidance on how to measure and evaluate the success of inclusivity efforts, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in fostering inclusivity. This approach is akin to the principles of 'Agile' methodologies, which advocate for iterative learning and adaptation. In conclusion, "Design for Belonging" provides a comprehensive guide on how to build inclusive and collaborative communities. It combines principles from various fields such as design thinking, organizational studies, psychology, and leadership theory to provide practical and actionable insights. Whether you are a community leader, an organizational manager, or an educator, this book provides valuable insights to help you foster a sense of belonging and collaboration in your respective communities.
ViewDrawing on Courage - Risks Worth Taking and Stands Worth Making
Ashish Goel, Stanford d.school
Key Facts and Insights from "Drawing on Courage - Risks Worth Taking and Stands Worth Making" Understanding Risk: The book provides a comprehensive understanding of risk, emphasizing that it is an inherent part of life and can lead to growth and learning. Embracing Fear: Fear is often a barrier to taking risks. The book encourages readers to embrace fear and use it as a catalyst for change. The Role of Courage: Courage is presented as a critical component in risk-taking, and it is discussed from various perspectives, including personal, social, and professional contexts. Decision-Making Process: The book sheds light on the decision-making process involved in taking risks and making stands, offering strategies for making informed choices. Importance of Values: Ashish Goel emphasizes the importance of personal values in determining the risks worth taking and stands worth making. Resilience and Persistence: The book stresses the importance of resilience and persistence in the face of challenges and setbacks. Leadership and Risk-Taking: There is a significant focus on the role of leadership in risk-taking and making tough decisions, with practical examples and case studies. Impact of Culture: The book discusses how cultural factors can influence risk perception and risk-taking behaviour. Practical Tools and Techniques: The book provides practical tools and techniques to assess risks and make courageous decisions. Real-Life Stories: The book is enriched with real-life stories and experiences that make the concepts relatable and understandable. Education and Risk-Taking: The role of education in fostering a culture of intelligent risk-taking is also discussed. An In-Depth Analysis of "Drawing on Courage - Risks Worth Taking and Stands Worth Making" "Drawing on Courage - Risks Worth Taking and Stands Worth Making" by Ashish Goel is a compelling book that delves into the complexities of risk-taking and courage. As an experienced professor dealing with these topics for many years, I found the book's approach refreshing and its insights valuable. The book begins with a comprehensive exploration of the nature of risk. Understanding risk is the first step in being able to manage it effectively. Goel presents risk not as something to be feared or avoided but as an integral part of life that can lead to personal and professional growth. This perspective aligns with the concept of 'positive risk-taking' in psychology, which emphasizes the potential benefits of taking calculated risks. One of the critical themes in the book is the role of fear. Goel encourages readers to embrace their fears rather than running away from them. This approach is in line with the psychological principle of 'exposure therapy', which involves confronting and overcoming fears. Goel dedicates a significant portion of the book to the concept of courage. He emphasizes that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act despite fear. The author discusses courage from various perspectives, including personal, social, and professional scenarios, providing a comprehensive understanding of this complex construct. The book also delves into the decision-making process involved in risk-taking and making stands. Goel offers strategies for making informed decisions, such as evaluating potential outcomes, considering alternatives, and assessing personal values. This approach is reminiscent of the 'rational decision-making model', which is frequently used in business and management. One of the most important insights from the book is the importance of values. Goel argues that our personal values should guide our decisions about the risks we are willing to take and the stands we are ready to make. This perspective echoes the concept of 'values-based decision-making', a principle widely recognized in psychology and ethics. Resilience and persistence are also critical themes throughout the book. Goel emphasizes that setbacks and challenges are inevitable when taking risks, but they can be overcome with resilience and persistence. This aligns with the psychological concept of 'grit', which involves perseverance in the face of adversity. The author also explores the role of leadership in risk-taking. He provides practical examples and case studies demonstrating how effective leaders take calculated risks and make tough decisions. This discussion aligns with the leadership principle of 'courageous leadership', which advocates for leaders to take bold actions when necessary. Culture's impact on risk-taking is another fascinating topic covered in the book. Goel discusses how cultural factors can influence our perception of risks and our willingness to take them. This perspective is consistent with the field of 'cross-cultural psychology', which studies how cultural factors influence human behavior. In addition to these theoretical discussions, the book also provides practical tools and techniques to assess risks and make courageous decisions. These resources can be beneficial for anyone looking to enhance their risk-taking abilities and make more courageous stands. What sets this book apart are the real-life stories and experiences shared by the author and others. These stories make the concepts relatable and understandable, making the book a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding and embracing risk-taking and courage. Lastly, Goel discusses the role of education in fostering a culture of intelligent risk-taking. He argues that schools and universities should encourage students to take risks and learn from their mistakes, fostering resilience and courage from a young age. This perspective is consistent with the educational philosophy of 'experiential learning', which emphasizes learning through experience and reflection. In conclusion, "Drawing on Courage - Risks Worth Taking and Stands Worth Making" is a comprehensive guide to understanding risk, embracing fear, and cultivating courage. It offers valuable insights and practical tools for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of risk-taking and make stands worth making.
ViewStart Something That Matters
Blake Mycoskie
Key Facts and Insights from "Start Something That Matters" Businesses can be both profitable and socially responsible. Small actions can lead to significant impacts. Passion is a crucial ingredient for success. Storytelling is a powerful tool for engaging consumers. Transparency and integrity are essential in modern businesses. Building a culture of giving in an organization is beneficial. Entrepreneurship is not only about making money but also about making a difference. Embrace fear and failure as learning opportunities. The importance of finding your story and sharing it authentically. Fostering meaningful relationships and partnerships can leverage your impact. It's never too late or too early to start something that matters. Detailed Analysis and Summary "Start Something That Matters" by Blake Mycoskie is a testament to the notion that businesses can be both profitable and socially responsible. This is a concept I have been studying and teaching for many years, and Mycoskie's book provides a compelling and tangible example with his company, TOMS. The unique business model of TOMS - for every pair of shoes sold, a pair is donated to a child in need - demonstrates how businesses can integrate philanthropy into their core operations, leading to a win-win situation for all stakeholders. Mycoskie stresses the importance of small actions leading to significant impacts. The idea is not new; it is grounded in chaos theory's "butterfly effect". However, Mycoskie applies this concept in a business and social context, showing readers that even the smallest initiatives, when done with passion and purpose, can create ripples of positive change. Passion is a recurring theme in Mycoskie's book. He argues that genuine passion for one's work is the driving force behind success, a sentiment echoed by many successful entrepreneurs and thought leaders. However, Mycoskie takes it a step further by suggesting that passion alone is not enough. One must also have a genuine concern for something beyond themselves, a cause or purpose that lends deeper meaning to their endeavors. The power of storytelling is another significant insight from the book. Mycoskie posits that engaging and authentic stories can resonate with consumers, making them more likely to support a brand or cause. This aligns with the concept of "narrative transportation," where people become engrossed in a story to the point where they are influenced by it. Transparency and integrity are other crucial themes in the book. Mycoskie suggests that in an age where information is easily accessible, businesses must uphold high standards of honesty and openness. Consumers are more likely to support companies that align with their values and demonstrate ethical behavior. The idea of building a culture of giving within an organization is another key takeaway. Mycoskie argues that instilling a sense of purpose and social responsibility in employees can improve morale, productivity, and brand image. This ties into the broader concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR), a business model that incorporates social and environmental concerns in business operations and interactions with stakeholders. Mycoskie's book also confronts the traditional notion of entrepreneurship as solely profit-driven. He posits that entrepreneurship can and should be about making a difference, a concept that aligns with the emerging field of social entrepreneurship. Embracing fear and failure is another major theme in the book. Mycoskie encourages readers to view mistakes and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, a mindset that aligns with the concept of "growth mindset" popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck. The importance of finding your story and sharing it authentically is another significant insight. Mycoskie believes that authenticity is key to connecting with consumers and differentiating your brand or cause. Lastly, the book emphasizes the value of meaningful relationships and partnerships. Mycoskie believes that collaboration and mutual support can magnify impact and foster innovation. This aligns with the ideas of "collective impact" and "co-opetition," where organizations work together to achieve shared goals. In conclusion, "Start Something That Matters" offers a refreshing and inspiring perspective on business and entrepreneurship. It challenges conventional wisdom and offers practical advice for anyone seeking to make a difference through their work. Mycoskie's book is a testament to the notion that businesses can be profitable, socially responsible, and a force for positive change in the world.
ViewStart With Why - How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action
Simon Sinek
Key Facts and Insights from "Start With Why - How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action" The Golden Circle: At the core of Sinek's theory is the three-layered model known as the Golden Circle. It encompasses 'Why', 'How', and 'What' as the fundamental aspects of any organization or individual's purpose. Importance of 'Why': Sinek emphasizes that most successful organizations and leaders start by defining 'Why' they do what they do, not just 'What' they do or 'How' they do it. Leadership and Inspiration: The book underscores that successful leaders inspire action in their followers by articulating a clear 'Why' and aligning it with the beliefs of their followers. Manipulation vs Inspiration: Sinek distinguishes between manipulation (using external factors to drive behavior, like price, fear, etc.) and inspiration (motivating through a deep-rooted sense of belief or purpose). Clarity of Purpose: Clarity of 'Why' is crucial for any organization or leader to succeed and inspire others. This clarity is often missing in companies that struggle. 'Why' and Trust: When organizations and leaders communicate their 'Why', it helps build trust and loyalty among their employees or followers. The Role of Innovation: Sinek posits that innovation is born from a strong 'Why'. It's not just about doing things better, but doing them for a better reason. 'Why' and Culture: A clear 'Why' helps create a strong culture where employees feel they are contributing to something bigger than themselves. Companies as a Reflection of Leaders: Companies often reflect the persona of their leaders, especially their 'Why'. This is why it's crucial for leaders to have a clear sense of their own 'Why'. Consistency of 'Why': The 'Why' should remain consistent even as the 'What' and 'How' might evolve over time. Detailed Analysis and Summary of "Start With Why - How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action" Simon Sinek's "Start With Why" presents a transformative perspective on leadership and organizational success. At the heart of his argument is the Golden Circle, a model composed of three fundamental elements: Why, How, and What. These elements, Sinek asserts, form the basis of any individual's or organization's purpose. However, he emphasizes on the importance of starting with 'Why'. Why is the purpose, cause or belief that drives every one of us. Many organizations can clearly articulate 'What' they do and 'How' they do it, but the 'Why' often remains elusive. Sinek argues that this is where many organizations falter. Drawing parallels with biological concepts, he positions 'Why' as the limbic brain (responsible for feelings, such as trust and loyalty) and 'What' and 'How' as the neocortex (responsible for rational thought and language). When it comes to leadership, the book posits that great leaders are those who inspire action by articulating a clear 'Why'. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and companies like Apple are successful not because of what they do, but because of why they do it. They start with 'Why' and then move outwards to 'How' and 'What'. This approach resonates with people's beliefs, thereby inspiring them to act. Sinek distinguishes between manipulation and inspiration. While manipulation involves driving behavior through external factors such as price, promotions, fear, or peer pressure, inspiration comes from a deep-rooted sense of belief or purpose. He asserts that manipulation can lead to transactions, but only inspiration can foster loyalty. The book also stresses the importance of a clear 'Why' in building trust and loyalty. When organizations and leaders communicate their 'Why', it resonates with their employees or followers on an emotional level, leading to increased trust and loyalty. Innovation, according to Sinek, is a byproduct of a strong 'Why'. It is not merely about doing things better, but about doing them for a better reason. This perspective aligns with the theory of innovation diffusion by Everett Rogers, who highlighted that people adopt new ideas or products not because of their advantages, but because they align with their beliefs. Sinek also discusses the role of 'Why' in creating a strong culture. A clear 'Why' provides employees with a sense of purpose, making them feel they are part of something bigger than themselves. This is reflected in the principle of 'Cultural Fit', which suggests that employees perform better when their personal values align with the organization's values. The book further suggests that companies often mirror the 'Why' of their leaders. This is why it is crucial for leaders to have a clear sense of their own 'Why'. Finally, Sinek emphasizes that while 'What' and 'How' may change over time, the 'Why' should remain consistent. This consistency of 'Why' is essential for maintaining the trust and loyalty of employees and customers. In conclusion, "Start With Why" offers profound insights into how great leaders inspire action. It makes a compelling case for starting with 'Why', thereby transforming the way we understand leadership and organizational success. Sinek's philosophies, when applied, can indeed lead to more inspired employees, loyal customers, and successful organizations.
ViewFind Your Why - A Practical Guide for Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team
Simon Sinek, David Mead, Peter Docker
Key Facts or Insights from "Find Your Why" Having a clear purpose or "Why" is fundamental to achieving satisfaction and success both in personal life and at work. The concept of "Why" goes beyond just making money; it's about finding a deep-rooted purpose that motivates and drives you. Every individual and organization has a distinct "Why", which is a unique value proposition that sets them apart. Discovering your "Why" involves looking at your past experiences and identifying common themes or patterns. Once you discover your "Why", it can act as a compass guiding your actions and decisions, leading to greater fulfillment and success. Organizations that operate with a clear "Why" attract employees who are motivated and committed, leading to higher productivity and innovation. Understanding and articulating your "Why" can improve your leadership skills and influence. Sharing your "Why" with others can inspire them to discover their own "Why". "Why" is not a one-time discovery; it needs to be revisited and refined over time. Creating a "Why" statement is a practical tool to articulate and communicate your purpose. The "Why Discovery Process" is a structured approach to help individuals and teams discover their "Why". Summary and Analysis of Content "Find Your Why" presents a compelling argument on the importance of purpose, or "Why", in driving our actions and fulfilling our potential. The authors, Simon Sinek, David Mead and Peter Docker, posit that understanding our "Why" is fundamental to achieving satisfaction and success both personally and professionally. The notion of "Why" extends beyond the pursuit of financial gain. It concerns a deeper, intrinsic motivation that fuels our actions, decisions, and relationships. This concept resonates with the Self-Determination Theory in psychology, which emphasizes the role of intrinsic motivation in driving human behavior. The process of discovering our "Why" entails delving into our past experiences and identifying common patterns or themes. This introspective journey can be transformative, leading to increased self-awareness and personal growth. This echoes the principles of narrative therapy, where individuals explore their life stories to understand themselves better and create new, empowering narratives. The authors provide a structured approach, the "Why Discovery Process", to facilitate this journey. This process involves identifying specific life stories, extracting themes, and crafting a "Why" statement. This statement acts as a personal mission statement, providing clarity and direction in life and work. For organizations, having a clear "Why" offers a unique value proposition, distinguishing them from the competition. It attracts employees who share the same values, fostering a culture of commitment and innovation. This mirrors Jim Collins' concept of "Core Ideology" in his book "Built to Last", where successful companies have a set of core values that guide their decision-making and operations. Sharing your "Why" can have a transformative impact on others, inspiring them to find their own "Why". This reinforces the principle of transformational leadership, where leaders inspire and motivate their followers to exceed their own individual goals for the greater good of the team or organization. It's worth noting that discovering your "Why" is not a one-time event. As we evolve and grow, our "Why" may need to be revisited and refined. This highlights the dynamic nature of our identity and purpose, aligning with the concept of lifelong learning and personal development. In conclusion, "Find Your Why" provides a practical guide for individuals and teams to discover their "Why", offering valuable insights on purpose-driven living and leadership. Its principles are backed by psychological theories and leadership concepts, making it a valuable resource for personal and professional development. It encourages us to delve deep, explore our past, and articulate our purpose, enabling us to live and lead with authenticity and impact.
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V.
19.June 2024It was a pleasure to meet Gilda. Her enthusiasm and determination to overcome any obstacles in her career were truly inspiring. It's incredibly fulfilling to witness someone ready to turn challenges into opportunities for both financial and creative success. I'm excited to see what else she will achieve on her journey. Gilda's story is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, we can transform any hurdle into a stepping stone towards our goals.