Key Themes:
Business, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Strategy
Summary:
Start With Why by Simon Sinek tackles a fundamental question: What makes some companies and people more innovative, influential, and profitable than others? Using examples from the business world, politics, and technology show, Sinek proves it’s all about asking “Why?” rather than “What?” Steve Jobs, the Wright brothers and Martin Luther King have one thing in common: they started with why! This book is ideally suited for anyone who wants to inspire others, or to be inspired.
Content Overview:
Start with Why is based on one of the most watched TED talks of all time. It asks the questions that have puzzled us all:
- Why are some people / companies more influential or profitable than others?
- Why do some create greater loyalty from customers and employees?
- Why are so few people able to repeat their success over and over again?
Start with Why explores the principle that people won’t truly buy into a product, service or idea until they understand the ‘why’ behind it. Sinek showcases the leaders who’ve demonstrated this concept more than others and how they think, act and communicate the same way – the opposite of their competition!
He calls this idea ‘The Golden Circle’ and demonstrates through case study examples, how this can be used to drive organisations, build movements and inspire people.
The book covers the following key concepts:
- Learning to identify your ‘why’
- Trusting your intuition and why manipulation won’t work
- The Golden Circle and how you can apply it
- Operating with discipline and consistency
- The benefits of good communication
- Rethinking the competition
Sinek ably demonstrates that your ‘why’ should affect everything you do and it’s the critical success factor and should be the main focus of your business.
Rating: 8.5/10
A thought provoking read that can truly demonstrate how you can gain competitive advantage in your life and business. By starting with ‘why’ you can engender loyalty, trust and drive sales.
Readability: 9/10
Sinek is a great storyteller (probably demonstrated by his TED talk success) and his use of case studies and real-life examples really drums homes the concepts he’s communicating. A great read and very inspiring.
Does what it says on the tin: 9/10
Yes definitely. The key concepts that Sinek outlines can be easily applied to any business or sector.