Although I’ve been focused on my current blog series, I felt compelled to briefly step away from it to share this reflection—because every now and then, a moment or insight arises that deserves its own space.
Simon Sinek once said, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” That idea—that our “why” shapes our perspective—has been on my mind lately.
A few days ago, I stumbled upon a TV series that somehow escaped my radar: Scandal. Given that it’s a Shonda Rhimes creation—known for her gripping, emotionally charged dramas filled with complex characters and high-stakes twists—I was surprised I hadn’t watched it sooner. Her genre is unmistakable: fast-paced, layered storytelling that blends personal conflict with political intrigue. But I digress…
In one episode, a fractured family dynamic unfolds:
- A father who built a tech empire by inventing the chip used in all cell phones.
- A son who idolized his father and took pride in learning the family business.
- A first wife who supported them both but was deeply hurt when her husband found companionship in a new relationship that marked a significant change in their family dynamic.
As the story progresses, the wife and son are preparing for the company’s IPO, while the father—seemingly spiraling—spends his time with his new partner. To outsiders, he appears to have lost his mind. There’s even an attempt to have him committed.
But then, a third party brings the father and son together for a conversation. And what unfolds is powerful:
- The father reveals he’s not mentally unwell—he’s simply tired. After years of building and sacrificing, he wants to enjoy life. He opposes the IPO because he doesn’t want his son to repeat his mistakes.
- The son admits he’s only pursuing the IPO because he thought it was what his father wanted and has a passion for continuing to run the family business.
- The wife confesses she believed her husband was just going through a phase and hoped he’d return.
The takeaway? When we pause to understand the why behind someone’s actions, we often find common ground or, at a minimum, understanding.
Why Perspective Matters
This idea of perspective isn’t just relevant in family drama—it’s critical in business, politics, and life. Everyone has strong opinions, shaped by what they’ve lived, learned, or heard. The challenge arises when we stop listening and start defending.
But it’s also important to recognize that not all perspectives are pure or well-intentioned. Sometimes, perspectives are clouded by:
- Self-dealing – when someone’s viewpoint is shaped by personal gain rather than collective good.
- Self-promotion – when the goal is visibility or influence, not truth or fairness.
- Conflicts of interest – when loyalties are divided and objectivity is compromised.
- Bad actors – those who intentionally manipulate narratives to serve harmful agendas.
Understanding this doesn’t mean we dismiss every differing opinion—but it does mean we approach perspectives with both empathy and discernment. We must ask not only what someone believes, but why—and whether that “why” is rooted in integrity or self-interest.
Diversity and Inclusion: A Broader View
When we talk about diversity and inclusion, we often think of visible traits—race, gender, age. But it’s also about:
- Diversity of thought and opinion
- Inclusion despite differences
We may never fully align on beliefs, values, or approaches. But we can choose to listen with empathy and engage without judgment. That’s what true inclusion looks like.
A Few Questions to Reflect On
As you think about your own “why” and how it shapes your perspective, consider these questions:
- Why do you hold the perspectives you do? Are they rooted in personal experience, facts, or assumptions?
- What can you do to better listen to and understand perspectives different from your own?
- How can you foster inclusion—even when you disagree?
- Are there biases or interests—yours or others’—that might be distorting the full picture?
Let’s challenge ourselves to lead with curiosity, not certainty. Because when we understand the “why,” we unlock the power of perspective—and when we do that, we just might unlock innovation, collaboration, and the ability to achieve truly incredible things.