Book Review - "Start with Why" By Simon Sinek

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"Start with Why" By Simon Sinek

Introduction

I completed reading this book in July 2018.  I had heard clips of Simon's Ted talk on the same topic and was excited to see what else he had to say.  

Theme 

The main theme of the book is to get people to start thinking about the "WHY" behind all their actions.  If they are running a company, selling a product, leading a sales team, or managing employees, they can build strong loyalty by: i) knowing the purpose behind their actions; and ii) communicating that purpose to others.  

Simon gives examples of companies that have a clear purpose, most notably Apple and Southwest Airlines, and how they communicated that purpose to their stakeholders.  As a result, these companies were successful over the long term, became innovative industry-changing players, and built loyalty among customers, regardless of what products they were selling.

He also gives plenty of examples of companies that did not have a clear purpose and hence failed to become leaders in their industries, although they may have achieved temporary success by what he calls "manipulative" means (providing discounts, rebates, extra features, etc).  

Favorite Quotes

"Manipulations lead to transactions, not loyalty"

 "People don't buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it"

 "The part of the brain that controls our feelings has no capacity for language.  It is this disconnection that makes putting our feelings into words so hard."

Learning Points - How to apply them in real life

Whatever stage of life you're in, this book teaches that you need to dig deep into your past to determine the "WHY" behind everything you do.  The "WHAT" you do and "HOW" you do it are built upon the "WHY".  Once you have that clear, you will automatically attract those who align with your purpose, and you will build strong loyalty and relationships that pass the test of time.  

Any Critical Reactions?

It appeared that Simon kept giving example of Apple at every opportunity.  In his defense, maybe that was an intentional strategy to ensure his message gets fully ingrained in the reader.  Or maybe Apple's philosophy inspires him so much.  Or, and this is most likely, his message is so unique that good examples of companies who know their "WHY" are very difficult to find. 

Overall 

I'll strongly suggest everyone to get a copy.  Very beneficial read overall.  I have started to analyze everything in my life in terms of its "WHY", and that is leading me to greater clarity.  

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