Book of the Week: Start With Why

Published by Smart Office


Author(s): Simon Sinek
Publisher: Portfolio, 2011
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If you’ve ever wondered what separates successful leaders from the rest, Start with Why by Simon Sinek is a must-read. The book’s main idea is simple but powerful: to build lasting success, start with “why.”. Sinek argues people don’t buy what you do – they buy why you do it.

In this book, Sinek breaks down his concept of the “Golden Circle,” which has three layers: Why, How, and What. He explains that most organizations and individuals start with “What” they do and “How” they do it, but the most inspiring leaders start with “Why.” By focusing on the purpose and beliefs behind their work, they connect with people on a deeper level and inspire loyalty.

Sinek uses real-world examples from companies like Apple and leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. to show how starting with “Why” can lead to incredible achievements. The writing is clear and engaging, making complex ideas easy to grasp. If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on leadership and motivation, this book offers a thought-provoking look at how to make your “Why” the driving force behind your success.

“For values or guiding principles to be truly effective they have to be verbs. It’s not “integrity,” it’s “always do the right thing.” It’s not “innovation,” it’s “look at the problem from a different angle.” Articulating our values as verbs gives us a clear idea – we have a clear idea of how to act in any situation.” – Simon Sinek

“Great companies don’t hire skilled people and motivate them, they hire already motivated people and inspire them.” – Simon Sinek

Discover the book that is captivating millions on TikTok and that served as the basis for one of the most popular TED Talks of all time—with more than 56 million views and counting. Over a decade ago, Simon Sinek started a movement that inspired millions to demand purpose at work, to ask what was the Why of their organization. Since then, millions have been touched by the power of his ideas, and these ideas remain as relevant and timely as ever.
 
Start With Why asks (and answers) the questions: why are some people and organizations more innovative, more influential, and more profitable than others? Why do some command greater loyalty from customers and employees alike? Even among the successful, why are so few able to repeat their success over and over?
 
People like Martin Luther King Jr., Steve Jobs, and the Wright Brothers had little in common, but they all started with WHY. They realized that people won’t truly buy into a product, service, movement, or idea until they understand the Why behind it. 
 
Start With Why shows that the leaders who have had the greatest influence in the world all think, act and communicate the same way—and it’s the opposite of what everyone else does. Sinek calls this powerful idea The Golden Circle, and it provides a framework upon which organizations can be built, movements can be led, and people can be inspired. And it all starts with Why .