Book review- "Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek


This latest read is from eminent speaker cum motivational writer Simon Sinek and is titled “Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action.” After skimming through the book, honestly, I am confused about the high praise this book has received. Sadly, the book's title, which motivated me to read it, is deceiving.

The main idea presented in the book is to lead any business with a purpose. Writings in the book revolve around the concept of Leading with Pathos over Logos and emotion over Logic, which shall eventually make people follow. The book seems to be rambling about the successful companies (and not a single mention of failed companies who had their WHYs), primarily through the tale of Apple's success, as if successful companies can clearly articulate WHY they are in business (beyond making the profit) rather than just being able to describe WHAT they do and HOW they do it.

There is a subset of cases that presented a different set of ideas on leadership and business, but it doesn't require 250+ pages to explain those.

It might be a good book for students presenting successful business-related cases in their curriculum.

Quotes from the book

“Great companies don't hire skilled people and motivate them; they hire already motivated people and inspire them.”


“The role of a leader is not to come up with all the great ideas. The role of a leader is to create an environment in which great ideas can happen.”


“When you compete against everyone else, no one wants to help you. But when you compete against yourself, everyone wants to help you.”


“Regardless of WHAT we do in our lives, our WHY—our driving purpose, cause or belief—never changes.”


“If the leader of the organisation can’t clearly articulate WHY the organisation exists in terms beyond its products or services, then how does he expect the employees to know WHY to come to work?”

 

P.S. The YouTube videos by Simon Sinek are good, though!!👀 

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