by Simon Sinek
Problem
Many individuals and organizations struggle to inspire others or differentiate themselves because they focus too much on what they do and how they do it, rather than why they do it. This often leads to a lack of motivation, engagement, and success.
Promise
By discovering and communicating your Why – your purpose, cause, or belief – you can inspire others, differentiate yourself or your organization, and drive sustainable success.
Perspective
“Identifying and communicating my Why will enable me to inspire others, maintain authenticity, and create more meaningful and impactful work.”
Précis
In “Start With Why,” Simon Sinek posits that successful leaders and organizations operate from the inside out, beginning with the question of Why. Why does the organization exist? Why does it do what it does? By answering these questions, individuals and organizations can create a sense of purpose that inspires others, fosters loyalty, and drives sustainable success.
Sinek introduces the concept of the Golden Circle, which consists of three layers: Why, How, and What. The Why stands for the purpose, the How represents the methods, and the What encompasses the results. Most organizations work from the outside of the circle inward, focusing on What and How. However, the most influential and innovative organizations start with Why, setting a strong foundation for everything else.
The principles in “Start With Why” can be applied to various aspects of life, including leadership, innovation, marketing, and personal development. It’s a powerful tool for anyone seeking to inspire others, foster loyalty, and create a purpose-driven culture.
Playbook
- Discover your Why. Reflect on your values, passions, and what truly motivates you. Consider what you would do even if you weren’t paid for it. This process might take time, but it’s crucial in determining your purpose.
- Articulate your Why. Once you’ve discovered your Why, articulate it clearly. It should be a simple, compelling statement that encapsulates your purpose.
- Align your actions with your Why. Ensure that your actions, decisions, and behavior align with your Why. For example, if your Why is to help others, your actions should reflect this commitment.
- Communicate your Why. Share your Why with others. It should be the starting point of every conversation and communication, especially those involving decisions or changes.
- Inspire with your Why. Use your Why to inspire others. Share your vision and purpose, and encourage others to discover and articulate their own Why.
- Make decisions based on your Why. When faced with decisions, refer back to your Why. It should serve as a compass, guiding your choices and ensuring they align with your purpose.
- Encourage a Why-focused culture. If you’re in a leadership position, foster a culture that values the Why. Encourage team members to discover their own Why and to align their work with it.
- Revisit and refine your Why. As you grow and evolve, your Why might do the same. Regularly revisit your Why to ensure it still resonates with you, and don’t hesitate to refine it if necessary.
Prompt
Can you share a situation where you made a decision or took action based on your Why, and how it influenced the outcome? Did it inspire others or create a greater impact?