“There are two ways to build a career or a business. We can go through life hunting and pecking, looking for opportunities or customers, hoping that something connects. Or we can go through life with intention, knowing what our piece looks like, knowing our WHY, and going straight to the places we fit.” ― Simon Sinek, Find Your Why: A Practical Guide to Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team
“Good morning!” I said, standing in front of the large conference room at SANTOS Holdings, I gathered my team to discuss something deeper. “Now that I have everyone’s attention, I want to ask you a simple question. “Why do you want to be here at SANTOS Holdings? What is your why?”
The room fell quiet, and you could hear a pin drop. I paused, giving everyone time to consider the question, and I could see their minds racing. This question, which I often pose, was my way of shaking things up while keeping the heart of our organization alive. As a leader, I needed to know my team’s ‘Why.’
To define your purpose, or your “Why,’ you must determine what is important to you. SANTOS Holdings adhere to our strong and vibrant core mission and values, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere company-wide. We believe in our team and our values often stem from our self-awareness and life experiences. Over time, our core values have shaped who we are. Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Self-reflection on one’s core values and motivations is critical for top-tier leadership. Good leaders deliberately select and transparently share their core values with their loved ones and colleagues.
Breaking the silence, Sarah, a junior project manager, raised her hand and explained her reasons for joining SANTOS Holdings: “I believe in building communities, not just profits.” As Sarah has shown, connecting our work to a larger purpose brings a deeper sense of fulfillment to our lives.
SANTOS Holdings’ mission encompasses more than just our building projects; it’s who we are and our ‘why’ as an organization. Sarah’s reply prompted Tom, an experienced engineer, to share, “The company culture at SANTOS Holdings motivates me.” His words were strong as I strive every day to inspire my team at SANOS Holdings to always listen to their heart. I wanted them to know that following your “Why’ is about silencing the internal chatter and connecting with your heart. Empathy moves you away from self-centeredness, allowing you to acknowledge everyone’s humanity, clarify perceptions, and form genuine connections.
In his book Find Your Why: A Practical Guide to Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team, author Simon Sinek said, “The goal for us as individuals is to know our WHY so that we can more easily find the right tree and the right nest. The goal for an organization is to know its WHY to attract the right birds. And the goal for each team within the company is to make sure that they have the right birds in each nest—those who will work together most effectively to contribute to the organization’s higher purpose and cause.”
Understanding the ‘why’ behind our company’s commitment is crucial for sustaining enthusiasm, drive, collaboration, passion, and resilience, and it is especially critical in challenging times. Each team member plays an integral role in shaping our future.
But how do you find your why?
Identifying your ‘why’ the core purpose driving your sense of well-being—begins with crystallizing your goals into a personal mission statement. Once you take action and write it down, it instills fulfillment and confidence and can be a positive influence, among other things.
Understanding your ‘WHY’ begins with coming to terms with your actions. Knowing what you do today will impact things in the future will bring you closer to reaching your goals and long-term success. At our company, we motivate teams to take action by approaching every day as a brand-new opportunity.
As the meeting drew to a close, I shared a personal story. “When I started SANTOS Holdings, I faced countless challenges and moments of doubt. That doubt was intense and often tried to knock me off course. Yet, I overcame and came back to my ‘why.’
Famous artist Vincent Van Gogh said,” If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”
If you doubt what you’re doing, get off course with your direction, follow your heart, and find your way back to your inner purpose and why.
… It will never steer you wrong.
As a leader and chairman of SANTOS Holdings, my biggest ‘why’ is my belief that real estate is the best business for financial rewards providing the ability to create lasting change within ourselves and our communities.
At SANTOS Holdings, we embrace this vision, knowing we have the power to shape landscapes, provide homes, and foster environments where people can thrive.
That vision, our strongest ‘why,’ keeps our team motivated and diligent through the toughest times.
As the meeting ended, I said, “With our real estate, we are not just building buildings; we are building legacy and dreams. Each project is a vision, and every brick contributes to the legacy of families, communities, and businesses. Align your passion with our mission, and by doing so, you create something truly powerful.”
As my words faded, the spirit in the room was palpable. That day, our team at SANTOS Holdings knew from my words, that they weren’t just employees but a family united by a common purpose.
SANTOS Holdings has two processes that help our team find the ‘Why’:
1. Find what you love.
2. Love what you find.
It’s a simple philosophy for the company and organization that makes all the difference. Along the way, I support everyone at SANTOS Holdings in finding their ‘why’ while preparing and arming them to tackle challenges, walk confidently, and know their work truly matters.
If you are interested in learning more about what SANTOS Holdings offers, contact us today to explore the immense possibilities.