Simon Sinek's TED Talk, "How Great Leaders Inspire Action," completely shifted my perspective on leadership. His passion and clear message resonated deeply. Sinek enthusiasm for his own WHY – inspiring others to start with WHY – was contagious. It made me realise true leadership isn't about barking orders or wielding authority. It's about igniting a fire in others by sharing a cause you deeply believe in.
The core of Sinek's talk revolves around the Golden Circle. This simple yet powerful concept proposes that most companies and leaders communicate from the outside, starting with "what" they do and then explaining "how" they do it. But great leaders, Sinek argues, communicate from the inside out, starting with "why" they do it – their purpose, cause, or belief.
Sinek uses Apple and the Wright Brothers to explain his point that Apple doesn't just sell computers; they believe in challenging the status quo and thinking differently. The Wright Brothers weren't driven by the desire to build aeroplanes; the dream of human flight drove them. By starting with WHY, these leaders were able to inspire not just their employees but millions of people around the world.
So, how can we implement this in our own lives? The first step is to identify “WHY”. What is the cause that gets you out of bed every morning? Once you discover your WHY, let it guide your actions and communication. Share your WHY with passion and authenticity. When you connect with others on a deeper level, based on a shared purpose, you become a more inspiring leader, which can have a ripple effect, impacting not just your success but the success of those around you.
Credits
Surabhi Jalan
Batch 2023-2025
Comments