One-sentence-review
Simon Sinek’s mission in life is to inspire others to do their best work, and in Start With Why, he shows you how to emulate the communication and mindset of inspiring leaders by using real-world examples from their own careers.
Start With Why
A little over 25 million people have viewed Simon Sinek’s debut TEDx lecture from 2009. In 2012, I came across the concept for the first time, and I was immediately captivated.
His mantra’s appeal stems from its simplicity and broad applicability. The most effective communicators in history appear to have internalized his concept of the golden circle.
Three Important Lessons to Takeaway from Start with Why
- The first step in motivating others is sharing your motivation.
- Passionate workers are a company’s greatest asset.
- When you begin with the why you eliminate the necessity for aggressive sales techniques.
Hold on to your hats, because this is about to get motivational!
Lesson 1: Motivating others is sharing your motivation.
Essentially, Simon is saying, “People don’t purchase what you do, they buy why you do it.”
Every business in the world begins every introduction by explaining what it is they do. However, using reasoning to persuade us to act is one of the least effective methods available.
This is the case because feelings always win out over logic. When our motivation for a choice is solid, we take responsibility for it.
To truly feel like we belong anywhere, we need to understand the bigger picture and the reasons behind our actions. That’s why this method of persuasion is so effective:
When we believe in a concept enough, we’ll do whatever it takes to make sure it succeeds, financially and otherwise. Sometimes at the cost of our very life for certain movements.
The best leaders and businesses just “get it” by default. Each and every conversation begins with an explanation of the motivation behind the action being discussed, and only then moves on to detail the specifics of the procedure to be followed. And only at the end do they reveal their true purpose.
The success of Apple serves as an excellent illustration. Having explained why they’ve come to cause a ruckus, they proceed to detail exactly how they intend to do so (with easy-to-use, beautifully designed products). We were able to learn that they produce electronic devices including computers, phones, tablets, and mp3 players.
We have already been convinced of their why and are prepared to back them in any way we can by the time they get to their what.
Telling people why you do something, rather than just doing it, is a surefire way to get them invested in what you’re doing.
Lesson 2: Passionate workers are a company’s greatest asset.
Is there a firm out there that wouldn’t benefit from having employees who are willing to go the extra mile to ensure the success of the business?
You can do this by centering your company around a noble goal. Find other people who care about the same things you do and bring them together.
Look for employees who are motivated by the same reasons as you are and excite them even more rather than relying on large salaries, looming deadlines, or highly qualified grads.
Which employee would you like to have on your team?
Johnny, the Excel expert who is merely here to collect his fee, is a fraud. Or Lisa, who may require more time to understand, but who shares your desire to see the world altered?
Businesses succeed when they hire people for their cause rather than their skill set.
Lesson 3: When you begin with the why, you eliminate the necessity for aggressive sales techniques.
Why do businesses try to deceive you into buying their items by using sales funnels, red discount signs, limited time offers, and social proof?
Unfortunately, the satisfaction these companies feel after closing a sale is fleeting, as is the effect of these kinds of psychological manipulations.
They don’t inspire confidence but rather distrust, and they certainly don’t produce reliable or loyal clients.
When you begin with the “why” and simply communicate from the inside out, you’ll develop a loyal following of true fans who will help your business thrive over the long haul.
They trust in you and your why, so they’ll always choose your goods over alternatives that are cheaper or even better.
Don’t bother with underhanded sales techniques; instead, focus on sharing your why and fostering genuine connections as a result.
Review of “Start With Why”
There were a lot of things I questioned after watching Simon’s TED talk. It was a small step among many that set me on the course that led me to the independence and fulfilment I’ve found in my current career.
First and foremost, you should check out his talk since it will radically alter your worldview.
This was a rerun after I read the synopsis of Leaders Eat Last. Given the limited number of examples provided in the set of blinks and in his talk, I am strongly considering purchasing the book.
Moreover, he provides a course that appears to be worthwhile and comes with a physical copy of the book. Watch the course’s introductory video to see Simon in action; he is a master at explaining his “why” in a way that will inspire you to take action.
Who would benefit most from reading this book “Start With Why”?
High school seniors on the cusp of college who haven’t yet found their “why”; business owners in their forties who have noticed a decline in employee motivation; and anyone else who hasn’t yet discovered what drives them.
Start your day, the smart way!
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