Reflections on Start with Why: A New Chapter for SMAN 1 Depok’s English Club
Starting Point: Finding the Core Purpose (Why)
When I first stepped up as President of the English Club, I didn’t want the club to run just business as usual. There was a driving conviction within me: English had to become an inclusive, enjoyable, and relevant space for every single student.
My main purpose (Why) as a leader was not merely to check off routine work programs, but to shatter the perception that a language club is rigid. I wanted to create a platform where every student felt their voice and appreciation were truly heard, whilst seamlessly weaving English into their daily lives.
Strategy & Execution (How)
Change doesn't happen through rhetoric alone. To bring that Why to life, I decided to take structured, unprecedented steps, culminating in Say It, Play It—a broadcast program run every Wednesday that was warmly embraced by the school community:
- Listening to Student Aspirations: Conducted research and public opinion surveys using Stratified Random Sampling across 162 students from 18 classes. This was done to ensure every piece of feedback was grounded in their actual needs.
- Interactive Broadcast Format: Designed and hosted the extracurricular broadcast program Say It, Play It!, blending curated music, playlist requests, and casual English-language announcements.
- Digital Platform Innovation: Collaborated with the Vice President and the English Club Advisor to design and launch the official English Club web application, integrating member information and engagement into one place.
Outcomes & A New Chapter (What)
The launch of the web application alongside the interactive Say It, Play It! broadcast program officially marked an all-time first in the history of the SMAN 1 Depok English Club. When innovation stems from the right Why, the result isn't just a completed project—it inspires real loyalty, enthusiasm, and a lasting impact felt by everyone around.
Reflection
Looking back at this journey through Simon Sinek’s framework makes everything feel all the more clear. People didn't just look at the web app or listen to the broadcasts we created (What)—they resonated with the core belief (Why) we poured into it.
It serves as proof that true leadership is not about demanding people follow your lead, but about giving them a compelling reason to strive together.
People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it. - Simon Sinek (Start With Why)
Keep leading and creating by starting with Why.