Purpose does not need to involve calculations or numbers. Purpose is about the quality of life. Purpose is human, not economic.
Simon SinekOne of the best paradoxes of leadership is a leader's need to be both stubborn and open-minded. A leader must insist on sticking to the vision and stay on course to the destination. But he must be open-minded during the process.
Simon SinekOutside advice can only tell you how a decision looks. Only you can know how it feels. The best decisions look and feel right.
Simon SinekIf a movement is to have an impact it must belong to those who join it, not those who lead it.
Simon SinekIn the 1980s America reacted to the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. We supported a war that left a nation torn to pieces. And as the last Soviet tank left the country, so did we.
Simon SinekThe concept of why is already in the vernacular. It is now a noun. "That company doesn't know their why." "They need to learn their why." "That politician needs to understand his why." We talk about it as a noun. That never existed prior to 2009. That never existed prior to 2006 when I first started articulating it. This is the most amazing thing to me. It has now become a concept. It's part of the way we think about businesses and transactions and decisions.
Simon SinekPeople who go to work to be a part of the cause don't go home. They are home. Now - who wants to quit?
Simon SinekTrust is maintained when values and beliefs are actively managed. If companies do not actively work to keep clarity, discipline and consistency in balance, then trust starts to break down.
Simon SinekIt's better to go slowly in the right direction than go speeding off in the wrong direction.
Simon SinekPushing yourself to be the best is unsustainable. Simply push yourself to be better than the day before.
Simon SinekTruly human leadership protects an organization from the internal rivalries that can shatter a culture. When we have to protect ourselves from each other, the whole organization suffers. But when trust and cooperation thrive internally, we pull together and the organization grows stronger as a result.
Simon SinekUsually what happens is somebody grabs me and they always pull me off to the side. Nobody ever does it publically. They say, "I didn't want to be here." Or, "I don't usually like people like you." Or, "I didn't believe the things you actually talked about would work. I'm here to tell you that you converted me." That happens a lot.
Simon SinekPeople will do as they are told by someone who outranks them, but they will only follow someone they believe in.
Simon SinekLeadership is neither a rank nor a title. It is a choice. The choice to provide care and protection for those for whom we are responsible.
Simon SinekWhen I was a kid, I was a bit of a space geek. I loved the space program and all things NASA. I would read books about our solar system; I had pictures of the Space Shuttle on my bedroom wall. And yes, I even went to Space Camp.
Simon SinekThose in pursuit of Why are inspired to do what is right. Those in pursuit of What are driven to do what is easy.
Simon SinekThere is a difference between running with all your heart with your eyes closed and running with all your heart with your eyes wide open.
Simon SinekBecause a true sense of purpose is deeply emotional, it serves as a compass to guide us to act in a way completely consistent with our values and beliefs. Purpose does not need to involve calculations or numbers. Purpose is about the quality of life. Purpose is human, not economic.
Simon SinekWhen you explain to people what you're trying to do, as opposed to just making demands or delegating tasks, you can build instant trust, even if it's just for that short time you're on the phone.
Simon SinekIt's important to slow down, every now and then, for no other reason than to call someone to say 'Hi.' It doesn't have to be a long conversation. Just calling out of the blue does more to let someone know you still care about them than nearly anything else.
Simon SinekIf I walk into a room of 500 people, my standard is, if I can't give 400 or 450 of you something, a language or a new way of seeing something, then I have failed. If I get 100 of you, I am a failure. I have to get a majority.
Simon SinekSome in management positions operate as if they are in a tree of monkeys. They make sure that everyone at the top of the tree looking down sees only smiles. But all too often, those at the bottom looking up see only asses.
Simon SinekAll organizations start with WHY, but only the great ones keep their WHY clear year after year.
Simon SinekA leader should not take credit when things go right if they are not willing to accept responsibility when things go wrong.
Simon SinekWorking hard for something we don't care about is called stress; working hard for somthing we love is called passion.
Simon SinekThe responsibility of the company is to help the people, grow as people. If we can do that, then the company will grow as a company.
Simon SinekTo become an academic expert takes years of studying. Academic experts are experts in how and what others have done. They use case studies and observation to understand a subject.
Simon SinekAverage companies give their people something to work on. The most innovative organizations give their people something to work toward.
Simon Sinek