As an executive or manager, you move fast. Targets, projects, decisions… and then comes the silent question:
👉 Why do you do what you do?
The Golden Circle by Simon Sinek and the Japanese concept of Ikigai are not just abstract ideas. They are two powerful compasses to rediscover meaning, inspire your teams, and tap into lasting energy.
What if aligning your Why with your Ikigai was the key to transforming not only the way you lead – but the way you live your career?
The Golden Circle: Start with “Why” to inspire and engage
The Golden Circle, introduced by Simon Sinek, is built on a simple yet revolutionary idea:
👉 Inspiring leaders always start with the Why – their purpose – before moving to the How (how) and the What (what).
For an executive or manager, this isn’t just philosophy. It’s a strategic necessity:
- Giving meaning to projects and decisions.
- Creating a clear vision that unites teams.
- Inspiring rather than just managing.
Consider this: a manager who only communicates numbers quickly loses their team’s engagement. But one who explains why those goals matter – for the company, for the client, for society – turns performance into a shared mission.
➡️ Read more: Turn fear into strength – because daring to express your Why means overcoming doubts and stepping confidently into your role.
Ikigai: Finding balance between passion and profession
The Japanese concept of Ikigai can be translated as “reason for being.”
It’s the sweet spot where four dimensions intersect:
- What you love (passion)
- What you’re good at (talent)
- What the world needs (mission)
- What you are paid for (profession)
Ikigai is much more than a motivational graphic. It’s a practical framework to avoid misalignment, regain sustainable energy, and bring more meaning into everyday leadership.
By clarifying their Ikigai, a manager can:
- Identify their deep motivation drivers.
- Make decisions aligned with their values.
- Build a career that fuels both professional success and personal fulfillment.
➡️ Read also: Build self-confidence – because exploring your Ikigai requires trusting your strengths and embracing your uniqueness.
Combining Golden Circle and Ikigai: a double lever for leadership
Individually, the Golden Circle and Ikigai are powerful tools. But when combined, they form a true strategic and personal compass.
👉 The Why of the Golden Circle mirrors the core of Ikigai: what truly drives you.
👉 The How and the What then gain new coherence, powered by a more authentic energy.
This dual perspective offers tangible benefits:
- Clearer decisions, grounded in a strong inner compass.
- More human and inspiring leadership, engaging beyond numbers.
- Sustainable motivation, anchored in meaningful purpose.
➡️ Read also: How to say no at work – because staying aligned with your Ikigai and Why also means learning to set boundaries.
From theory to action
Knowing about the Golden Circle and Ikigai is only the beginning. What truly matters is how you put them into practice.
A few simple steps for an executive or manager:
- Ask the right questions: What makes me feel alive? What is my unique contribution?
- Seek feedback: from peers, your team, or even close friends who can reflect your strengths and impact.
- Experiment step by step: try new approaches, say no to what no longer aligns, and adjust your path gradually.
The hardest part is not understanding these concepts, but daring to embody them.
➡️ Often, real transformation happens through coaching: having an external perspective to clarify, challenge, and support you in moving forward.
Conclusion
The Golden Circle and Ikigai are not just intellectual exercises. Together, they form an inner compass: finding meaning, inspiring teams, and moving forward with sustainable energy.
👉 You don’t need to wait for a crisis or burnout to realign your path. Every step matters: asking the right question, saying “no,” turning fear into strength.
So, what if now was the right time to explore your Why and your Ikigai?
📅 Book an appointment with Human Déclic and give your leadership a new dimension.
