Start with why
by Simon Sinek · first published 2009
58% recommend35% neutral6% critical
Why HN recommends it
Makes the case that a company or leader should lead with purpose before product or method. Useful for founders, product people and managers on messaging, company mission, culture and persuading teams.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
The most important question for any organization There's a naturally occurring pattern shared by the people and organizations that achieve the greatest long-term success. From Martin Luther King Jr. to Steve Jobs, from the pioneers of aviation to the founders of Southwest Airlines, the most inspiring leaders think, act, and communicate the exact same way—and it's the complete opposite of everyone else.The common thread, according to Simon Sinek, is that they all start with why. This simple question has the power to inspire others to achieve extraordinary things.Any organization can explain wha
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Here's a TED talk by Sinek on the concept (it turned into a book, Start With Why, and now a set of courses, etc.) It's a simple but powerful concept - one of those you should revisit on a regular basis to test your beliefs and the difference you want to make at work, in your society,…
on “A Hierarchy of Engineering Values” ↗…Matters" by John Doerr on setting objectives and measuring their progress. 5. "The Checklist Manifesto" by Atul Gawande on thinking through replicable processes. 6. "Who" by Geoff Smart on hiring. 7. "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek and "The Culture Code" by Daniel Coyle on creating culture and reasons for why people do the work. It's an important part of any management process, double import because of how often…
on “Ask HN: What makes a good technical leader – any recommended books?” ↗The Holy Bible Start With Why The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Think Like a Freak SmartCuts
on “Ask HN: Books you wish you had read earlier?” ↗Straight up, Shopify made my favourite promo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVVui4oXL4Q&hd=1 Aside from high production values, the reason this is a great clip is that they start with "Why?". If you're not familiar with Simon Sinek's awesome TED talk, I highly recommend it: http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspi...
on “Ask HN: Favorite startup demo videos” ↗…or something like that. Unfortnately, I don't even understand it to that level, so I can't really help. But don't get into how. If people care, they'll look deeper into how. Check out simon sinek's "start with why" http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspi...
on “Ask HN: Rate my startup: Quirk” ↗…basis for creating these? why not start with something your passionate about? That is the difference between a brand and just a regular company. Just my 2 cents. If you have time check out the book, Start With Why, by Simon Sinek.
on “Looking for CoFounder / 2cents?” ↗…motivation for many years, primarily because I did not know who I was and what I wanted. I read books like "Drive, the surprising thruth about what motivates us" and many more, but it was not until I read "start with why" by Simon Sinek I understood my "why" and finally became truly internal motivated. Now I am more motivated than I have time and energy, but luckily I also have a guidance tool that helps me put energy…
on “Ask HN: How do you motivate yourself?” ↗I swapped a copy of start with why by Simon Sinek for Thinking fast and slow by Daniel Kahneman Both great books. Start with why is good to understand how marketing and branding works, and how to do it better. Thinking Fast and Slow…
on “Ask HN: What book have you given as a gift?” ↗This reminds me of the Simon Sinek classic "Start With Why." He leans on the example of Apple a bit too much, but otherwise it's a book that gets your attention and makes you wonder why something so simple can be missed by so many. https://simonsinek.com/product/start-with-why/…
on “How to Build a Community: Starting with “Why?”” ↗You can learn the art. You can learn and reflect. For learning, read. “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie, or “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek come to mind. They will grow your communication, vision setting and influencing skills. Skills which are part of the “art” of product management. And every day provides an opportunity…
on “Reflecting on a career in product management” ↗Simon Sinek has a really good point in his book "Start With Why" that basically says selling your company is a complete failure, because you basically lose your autonomy and ability to adapt to unique market conditions that let companies be successful in the first…
on “It costs $110k to fully gear up in Diablo Immortal” ↗…firing, layoffs, M&A, financing, re-financing, breaking leases, moving locations, closing down branches... I do read a lot of business and personal development books, and recently I am reading, again, "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek. Generally speaking I like the book, but there's an entire chapter where Simon praises making decision by listening to one's gut feelings; especially within the context of being an entrepreneur.…
on “Decision making: going with your guts?” ↗…that can expand your thinking and ability to lead. Here are a few I recommend: Anything for Jim Collins, especially Great By Choice Anything Seth Godin, especially Tribes Anything Simon Sinek, especially Start With Why and Leaders Eat Last Anything Charles Duhigg, especially The Power of Habit I trust this is clear and helpful Wish you all the best, and please reach out if you think there more I can help you with
on “Ask HN: I am doing $2M annually as a solopreneur and need your help” ↗…players, tablets) and turns it into gold, because they sell users the perception of following their values. (If you liked the foregoing analysis, it's largely influenced by the writings of Simon Sinek in Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action http://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/...)
on “Apple paying music labels $100M-$150M for iCloud” ↗…multiplied, but I don't know that you've nailed the messaging, and because of that, I don't know if you've got the right solution or not. Also, for your layout of your site, try Simon Sinek's version of start with why. I think your why is currently your strongest point.
on “Throw a pebll, start a ripple, make wave” ↗