Brainy Business

We love the wise words of Simon Sinek

February 7, 2017
Simon Sinek • Hello Smart Blog
Feel inspired and inspire others.

If you aren’t familiar with British/American author, motivational speaker and marketing consultant Simon Sinek’s name, you’re probably familiar with the movement he created, launched with the release of his international bestselling book, Start With Why.

You may also recognise his face from his subsequent TED talk, one of the organization’s most popular videos of ALL TIME, with more than 28 million views.

This New York Times bestselling author and speaker is not just spreading an idea, he’s leading a crusade. His goal? To build a world where the vast majority of people go home every day feeling fulfilled.

His refreshing views on business and leadership have attracted international attention and have earned him invitations to meet with an array of leaders and organizations, including: Apple, Ernst & Young, HSM, Microsoft, KPMG, Pfizer, NBC/Universal, the U.S. military, government agencies and entrepreneurs.

Simon Sinek is an unshakable optimist. A visionary thinker with a rare intellect and that is why…

We love the wise words of Simon Sinek:

#1 Start with WHY

Everyone has a Why. Do you know yours? In his world famous TED talk, Simon explains the golden circle concept.

Simon Sinek Golden Circle

WHAT • Every person on the planet knows What they do. This is your job title, function, the products you sell or services you offer.

HOW • Some people know How they do it. These are the things you do that make you special or set you apart from your peers.

WHY • Very few people know WHY they do what they do. The Why is not about making money – that’s a result. The Why is the purpose, cause, or belief that inspires you to do What you do.

All the great and inspiring people and corporations of the world think differently. They understand that people don’t buy what you do – people buy why you do it. People do business with people who believe what they believe.

So, as a business, your WHY is incredibly important. Direction and purpose comes from defining and understanding why you do what you do.

#2 Be patient

Fulfillment comes from patience. Love and joy is not a thing you discover, it’s something that requires hard work. Many times we let our sense of impatience get in the way of life and career fulfillment.

We want everything to be instant, right here, right now. We forget that love, life and career fulfillment is not something that simply pops up one day… oh look! I discovered joy..!

No. Life, relationships and your career are journeys. The fulfillment comes with time, it comes from patience.

#3 Outdo yourself

Sometimes your ahead and sometimes your behind. The goal isn’t to be the best because you want to outdo your competition everyday. It’s not about outdoing anyone for that matter.

The goal is outdoing yourself. Is the work your producing today better that the work you produced before? YOU are your own competition.

Don’t’ waste energy on comparisons with your competition. Focus on what you do and do that better everyday. Joy comes not from comparison, but from advancement.

#4 Be Authentic

Authenticity matters. Every decision we make is a communication of who we are and what we believe. As a business, say and do the things you ACTUALLY believe.

When you fake it, when you pretend to be something or someone else, your customers will catch on quicker that you think. Your communication, product and service will be inconsistent.

Therefore, say what you mean and do what you say. Keep your word. Be who you really are.

#5 Take accountability

Sometimes you’re the problem. You can take ALL the credit for the things you do right, as long as you also take responsibility for the things you do wrong.

Many people have a problem with taking responsibility when things go wrong at work… ‘I didn’t have enough time’, ‘Bob didn’t do his share’, ‘no one wanted to help me…’ Even leaders find it hard to take responsibility and apologise for a mistake.

However, the problem isn’t the mistake. The problem is not wanting to ADMIT that there IS a mistake in the first place. You cannot fix what it supposedly not broken.

It’s a balanced equation. You get to take credit when you take accountability. Start by owning up to your share. Be humble enough to take responsibility and you will see how others start doing the same.

 

*Sources: entrepreneur.com, TED.com, startwithwhy.com

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