Start With Why

Sinek asserts that effective leaders share a pattern of “thinking, acting and communicating” that empowers them to inspire others (1). While certain leaders may be naturally gifted, leadership is a learned skill, and anyone can learn to lead effectively by following this pattern of thinking and doing. Sinek then introduces figures he will follow throughout the book: the Wright Brothers, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Apple’s Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Sinek argues that these inspirational and impactful figures have one thing in common—they start with “why.”

Sinek delves into how assumptions affect our actions and how adopting a broader perspective can lead to long-term success. He illustrates this concept by comparing American car manufacturers to their Japanese counterparts.

In the American automotive industry, workers on the assembly line often use a rubber mallet as a final adjustment tool for car doors, highlighting a reactive approach to problem-solving. In contrast, Japanese car manufacturers engineer their vehicles to ensure that the doors fit seamlessly from the very beginning. This difference serves as a powerful metaphor for leadership and organizational culture.