Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

Summary (from the publisher): Why are some people and organizations more innovative, more influential, and more profitable than others? Why do some command greater loyalty?

In studying the leaders who've had the greatest influence in the world, Simon Sinek discovered that they all think, act, and communicate in the exact same way-and it's the complete opposite of what everyone else does. People like Martin Luther King Jr., Steve Jobs, and the Wright Brothers might have little in common, but they all started with why.

Drawing on a wide range of real-life stories, Sinek weaves together a clear vision of what it truly takes to lead and inspire.

Review: This is another book I read for a leadership class at work. The basic premise of this book is that successful leaders and organizations are led first by a sense of why. In other words, what is the cause or inspiration for why an organization does what it does? Sinek argues that without a clear sense of why driving the what and how of an organization works, it is unlikely to be successful in the long term. 

Sinek bases his theory and advice on examples of great leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, and numerous others. While I do see the pattern behind what he's saying and think it has validity I was frustrated by his use of big names as examples. These leaders may have that in common, but I doubt all of them consciously thought to themselves, "I know, the road to success is to start with 'why'" and they certainly didn't know about Sinek's advice. I felt like he was dipping into the pot of others' success by using them to bolster his own opinion of how to succeed.  In some ways, I found Sinek's counter-examples to be more persuasive for me. For example, TiVo's advertising was directed at what their product does instead of explaining to consumers why they would want to own one. Because of this and despite of their highly innovative and effective product, their sales were dismal and cable company DVR devices have bested them.

However, that being said, I did like many of the points Sinek made. For example, addressing why in marketing directs attention more to the limbic system - the feeling center, while focusing on what directs attention to the neocortex, which is more focused on rational thought. People are more likely to follow their feelings or their "gut" and therefore, more likely to follow someone promoting the cause of their business than the what that they do.

Additionally, while not his main focus, I appreciated that Sinek acknowledged that it is the slim minority who are daring and innovative enough to strike out on their own to promote their "why." Not everyone can be Steve Jobs. Some people are "how people" who are less focused on the visionary and more on how to make that vision happen. It takes both of these to make something like Wal-mart or Apple a successful business. I also liked the idea of applying this business and leadership strategy to everyday life - for example, the American Dream is the why of many in our culture that gives Americans a sense of possibility and opportunity.

This book raises some interesting points. It would be particularly helpful to those looking to start their own business or considering their direction in their current business or marketing strategy.

Stars: 3