Summary Of Start With Why By Simon Sinek

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek (2009) is a book about the supremacy of far-sighted leadership to generate professionals and organizations that are pioneering, inspiring, and effective. It is the book that stresses upon forming quality programs and amenities that stand the test of time.
The author Simon Sinek explains the three stages of the framework he calls The Golden Circle on which most prosperous organizations and professionals are built. He analysis the most influential leaders of the world and concludes that all of them have a similar thought process. He states that we are touched, moved and inspired by those leaders because we share the similar vision and are loyal to the cause.
Sinek

explains the golden circle by relating it to biology. He states that the outer layer of the brain neo cortex is responsible for our rational, analytical thinking (WHAT). The mid sections of our brain i.e. limbic system which is responsible for feelings, trust and loyalty; which is also responsible for decision making (WHY). In other words when we communication outside-in, people understand the detailing. But it is the limbic system that makes others relate to your vision and purpose. Limbic system is the place where gut decisions are made.
The purpose, cause and belief are enunciated clearly by all great leaders. Sinek states that “All great leaders and organizations, regardless of size or industry, act and communicate from the inside out” (p.41). Most of the organizations described themselves in terms of what they do. They could easily promote themselves with their quality and services but not the purpose or the cause as they don’t have the clarity on why they do it. The book takes you from the inner circle of why to the discipline of how. He gives many examples of business case studies like Apple, General motors, Dell by thoroughly articulating the difference between Why, How and What.
Sinek proposes by the end of the book that it takes charisma to engage others to lead, an ability to demonstrate vision and make it a common shared goal that makes great leaders. Great leaders focuses upon creating the infrastructure where why can be tangible. Great leader’s focuses upon creating value out of every minute they spend; they are visionaries and when they inspire others for the purpose what they create as organization is extremely fruitful.
The determination and results of their action will be obvious in the quality of the services, products and the programs that organizations offer.