Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek

In Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek, the author outlines the idea that those in positions of leadership must start with the ‘Why’ when trying to inspire their followers to take action. He emphasizes that a leader should focus on their purpose, or ‘Why’ their organization or project exists, before outlining the ‘What’. By doing so, Sinek believes that followers or customers can be motivated to join a movement, regardless of how difficult the ‘What’ of the project might be.

In Start with Why, Sinek introduces the notion of the Golden Circle, which is the structure that great leaders use to inspire those around them. The Golden Circle starts with ‘Why’, which is at the centre and relates to a leader’s purpose, their cause, and the belief system they are advocating. This is then followed by ‘How’, which is the methods that a leader will use to reach their purpose, and finally ‘What’, which are the tangible products and visible outcomes associated with the purpose. By using the Golden Circle to discuss why a project should be undertaken and what end results leaders should aim for, Sinek believes that followers will be motivated to take action and contribute to the project’s success.

Sinek suggests that great leaders start with the ‘Why’ and ensure that this is the driving force of their organization. He believes that states, organizations and even people that focus on the ‘Why’ first can be expected to create an environment in which everyone is inspired to work together, despite any potential conflicts. Examples of individuals and organizations that have been hugely successful because of the ‘Why’ factor include Martin Luther King and his legacy, Apple, and many more.

The book explains that too often, organizations and leaders focus on the ‘What’ and the ‘How’ of their projects, rather than the ‘Why’. This can result in a lack of motivation within the team and a lack of enthusiasm from those the organization is trying to target. The author, however, provides examples of situations in which focusing on the ‘Why’ has led to a successful outcome.

In summary, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action is a powerful look at the power of utilizing the ‘Why’ when it comes to inspiring a team. Simon Sinek explains the importance of focusing on the cause and purpose that lies behind a project, and provides a roadmap in the form of the Golden Circle for great leaders to follow when trying to achieve a successful outcome. By getting to the heart of why a project should be undertaken, he believes that it will be easier to motivate those involved to bring it to fruition.