Start With Why
Discover the importance of ‘why’ in becoming a successful leader.
Summary of 7 Key Points
Key Points
- The Golden Circle Concept
- The Importance of ‘Why’
- Inspiring Trust and Loyalty
- Leadership for ‘Why’-First Companies
- Clarity, Discipline and Consistency of Why
- Why to Attract Customers
- The Danger of Losing Sight of Your Why
key point 1 of 7
The Golden Circle Concept
The Golden Circle concept, introduced in the book, “Start With Why” is a model that comprises three layers – What, How, and Why. The outermost layer, ‘What,’ refers to the products or services a company provides. This is the easiest part for people to comprehend as it is tangible and visible. Most companies can easily articulate what they do, but as we move inwards to the next layers, it becomes more complex and abstract…Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 7
The Importance of ‘Why’
Understanding the importance of ‘Why’ begins with acknowledging that it forms the core of our actions and decisions. It’s the underlying reason that fuels our motivations and shapes our aims. It’s not about the money or the product or the plan. It’s about the deeper purpose, the conviction that drives an individual or an organization forward. When we start with ‘Why’, we create a strong foundation for everything else that follows, and this foundation is rooted in our core beliefs and values, making our pursuits more meaningful and impactful. ..Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 7
Inspiring Trust and Loyalty
Inspiring trust and loyalty in individuals and organizations fundamentally revolves around the concept of starting with ‘why’. This perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding and communicating the underlying purpose, cause, or belief that drives an entity. By focusing on the ‘why’, organizations can more effectively connect with their employees and customers on an emotional level, fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty. This connection is critical in today’s environment where choices are abundant and differences in product or service features are often minimal. People are drawn to organizations that have a clear sense of purpose because it resonates with their own values and beliefs, creating a strong emotional bond…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 7
Leadership for ‘Why’-First Companies
In the discourse on leadership within ‘Why’-First companies, the emphasis is placed heavily on the foundational belief system that drives the organization’s actions and decisions. The leaders of these organizations are distinguished not by their insistence on a particular strategy or business model, but rather by their unwavering commitment to a core ‘Why’—the purpose, cause, or belief that is at the heart of what they do. This ‘Why’ becomes the guiding light for the organization, influencing every decision, from the drawing of its vision to the execution of its day-to-day tasks. It’s the beacon that attracts stakeholders who share similar beliefs, thereby creating a strong, unified culture…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 7
Clarity, Discipline and Consistency of Why
In the exploration of how leaders and organizations inspire action, a fundamental principle stands out: the clarity, discipline, and consistency of understanding and communicating ‘Why’. This core idea revolves around the belief that people are not primarily driven by what you do, but why you do it. The concept of ‘Why’ pertains to the purpose, cause, or belief that inspires someone to do what they do. When organizations and leaders have a clear understanding of their ‘Why’, they can communicate in a way that resonates deeply with others, drawing them in and inspiring loyalty and action. This clarity of purpose acts as a guiding star, ensuring that every decision and action aligns with the core values and mission of the organization…Read&Listen More
key point 6 of 7
Why to Attract Customers
The essence of attracting customers, as highlighted, revolves around the idea of ‘Starting With Why’, which emphasizes the importance of understanding and communicating the core reason behind a company’s existence beyond just what it sells or how it sells it. This foundational why serves as a beacon, attracting customers who share similar beliefs and values. It’s not merely about the transaction but about connecting on a deeper level, where customers feel they’re part of something larger than themselves. This approach transcends the conventional features-and-benefits selling proposition, offering a more profound, emotionally engaging reason to buy…Read&Listen More
key point 7 of 7
The Danger of Losing Sight of Your Why
In the discourse on the danger of losing sight of ‘Why,’ it’s articulated that organizations and individuals often begin with a clear, compelling Why—the purpose, cause, or belief that inspires them to do what they do. This Why is the foundational element that attracts people, whether they are employees, customers, or investors, to the organization. However, as organizations grow and become more successful, there’s a significant risk of the Why becoming obscured by the How and What of the operations. This shift from clarity to obscurity in the Why can lead to a loss of the original inspiration and motivation that drove the organization’s success in the first place…Read&Listen More