Richard Habets

The Power Principle: From How to Who

By Rich Habets

Last Friday, I watched a football match of my favorite team. My team led 1-0 five minutes before the end. I sent a message to a friend saying, "How great if we can win this game!" Two minutes later, the opponent scored 1-1. My friend replied, "Never praise the day before it's over." To me, that's the exact wrong way to live. Why?

The Power of Shifting from How to Who

Have you ever asked yourself questions like these:

  • How do I find the perfect job?
  • How do I find the perfect partner?
  • How can I make today a great day?
  • How can I be happier?
  • How can I get more friends?

Now, let's shuffle the letters of the word HOW and make it into WHO and ask again:

  • Who do I need to be to be the best employee?
  • Who do I need to be to be the perfect partner?
  • Who do I need to be to have a great day?
  • Who do I need to be to be happier?
  • Who do I need to be to be a good friend?

What's the Difference?

What do you notice? What's different for you when you ask the Who questions? Do you notice that there's more power in them? Do you see that you have something to say about the outcome of the Who questions?

The How questions are directed at trying to get something from the world. The Who questions are directed at you being the best version of yourself to the world. The Who question returns you to your powerful self. But ONLY always.

Applying the Principle in Business

Businesses that focus on "Who do we need to be to be loved by our customers?" and "Who do we need to be to have the best people working for us?" will steal all the market share from businesses that ask themselves, "How do we get more customers?" and "How can we have better people working here?" will always out innovate the competition .

When leaders and employees ask Who questions, they align their actions with their values. This alignment fosters trust and loyalty. It transforms the workplace into a space where everyone thrives.

So, next time you find yourself asking a How question, pause and reframe it as a Who question. Focus on becoming the best version of yourself. This simple shift can bring profound changes in your personal and professional life.