Why Are You Here?

How do you start when delivering a course or a workshop or even a team meeting? Getting the attendees to introduce themselves, maybe say something about what they do, what they hope to learn or understand from the session being delivered?

Occasionally I like to ask "Why are you here?" I'm aware the question is a little ambiguous and that's usually why I ask it. The answers would vary but usually an attendee or two would answer "my boss sent me" or "they (my company) thought it would be good for me to attend" ... you get the gist. Of course these are not the answers the question was looking for.

Even quite recently I had similar replies to those just mentioned....and some that were really quite amusing and which I wouldn't dare repeat here. Anyway after hearing the initial responses...I will again ask but "why are you here?"

What the question is really asking is why they come into work each day, why they do what they do and why they are working at the company that employs them. This is now more important than ever as I'm trying to get a handle on their own individual and personal values. Of course not all answers will be completely honest and open but it does help to gain a better understanding on an individual basis, what drives them to come to work and do what they do each day

The last few years have had quite a dramatic effect on employee expectations and understanding their needs and desires is now more important than ever. If you really want to get a better handle on what drives and motivates a person, what better way than identifying their own individual and personal values.

It doesn't really matter a great deal at what level the individual is within the company there will be specific reasons as to why they are doing what they do. Would you really be doing what you do now if you won the lottery?

Of course there are a wide range of answers to the Why are you here question... from needing a job, the money, security, trained position, even the company, the people, etc...however the one thing we must not forget is that there are no wrong answers or really any bad reasons. It's really all about personal values, which once we understand and acknowledge can lead to improving the morale, motivation, engagement and retention of the employee which in turn can lead to a improved working environment and a positive company culture.

Surely this would be what all companies should be aspiring to achieve... a positive and inspiring culture, an engaged and motivated workforce. So understanding all employees as to why are they here should start with a greater understanding of their own personal values and what truly motivates them.

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