Simon Sinek’s ‘Golden Circle’ is a useful way to think about the order in which we do things. First, we need to understand Why we want to do this [purpose], then we figure out How [strategy], and finally comes the What [action].
But perhaps there’s a fourth circle – the When?
Timing matters. Imagine doing the work to understand the Why, How, and What of attending a crucial client meeting, but then arriving late … or finally organising that dream holiday, but missing the plane …
The Ancient Greeks had two words for time. ‘Kairos’ is general – the ‘right’ time to do something. [We harvest fruit when it is ripe, and not before].
Then there’s ‘Chronos’, which is more specific. [I’ll harvest the ripe fruit tomorrow morning].
There’s another reason for thinking about the When. Deadlines are motivating, so having a definite When will likely drive us to figure out the other three circles …
[Sometimes, the When might even come first?]
Purpose [why], Strategy [how], Action [what].
And Timing [when].
