Start With Why

I loved this book. It was engaging, interesting and easy to apply to different scenarios. It is written with a very optimistic tone and I finished the book very motivated and inspired.

This book is well written and very enjoyable to read. The theory Simon has about starting with why is excellent. He explains it very well throughout the book and the book it is well written and accessible. My only issue is that he talks about Apple a lot. And whilst they are a great example, they get a mention in nearly every chapter, it starts to feel a bit repetitive at points. Don't let that put you off though and it hasn't stopped me buying another of his books which I am looking forward to reading!

I was interested to read about this revised version 15 years after the original release curious to find inspiration. This was a good read and segue into understanding how to think more strategically and the role of a leader is just more than hitting a bottom line because you want to make people to be associated with your brand and values. The book uses Apple , Microsoft and Southwest Airlines as examples frequently as inspiration but surprisingly there is no mention of Tesla. It highlighted the fundamental importance that the responsibilities of the leader and succession planning often ignored is critical. At the heart of this read is the fact that inspirational leaders were not doing it for themselves and prepared to challenge the status quo and build a legacy. Therefore inspiring the people around them to do the same and continue their vision which resonated with followers and not just seeking fame and fortune. The original was a best seller back then as it came out just after the credit crunch and the content in this book was a timely reminder that the everything starts from the top . The leaders who forgotten their organisation's cause in pursuit of short term profits and self reward will invariably bring the organisation down. It might sound its anti capitalist but noting there are driving causes other than money that increases the value of an organisation far more that comes from the top with a clear vision and message that enables confidence and trust to motivate people to do well an contribute to the cause. If this resonates with you then you should give it a read.

This book moves me to the core. It ignites and reignites ideas and feelings that point towards inspired direction. In that, Simon Sinek succeeds...and continues to do so, as I consume and devour his message in this book and countless TED talk videos. Simon Sinek does not set out to be Daniel Pink and be surgical in building support for his claim. Instead he serves to inspire and he achieves this with confidence, sensitivity and the courage to share the idea without trademark or ownership beyond this book. The Delivery is NOT important. For those who may have delved deeper into Mr Sinek, will discover the TED Talk and the book deal happened at the same time. For a First Time author, the book is great...warts and all. Those that focus on his prose, critique the structure or the delivery and repetition of examples (HOW & WHAT) perhaps need the comfort of them HOW and the WHAT. And that is okay. Reading this book is like having a chat with someone who cares and someone who understands. I think it can help you to begin reconnect with your Cause and make the distinction between what matters next and what matters most.

A thoughtful and interesting read

I might be a little unfair giving this book a 3 and perhaps that speaks more to my own expectation than anything else. There is nothing inherently wrong with the book, the core concept of the golden circle is well explained and well-repeated and therefore is memorable. That is something that many management books fail to do but Sinek manages this well. The mid-range score is also perhaps a reflection on how assimilated the concept of 'why' has come into management theory that it no longer feels fresh (while still clearly retaining relevance). The style is rather jarring and feels on the wrong side of self-help as to be rendered kitsch. A tad harsh, perhaps because conceptually it is a good book. There are sone nuggets of wisdom here and anecdotes that are worth keeping. Perhaps because it is lacking in any validated quantitative research beyond the author's own experience that overall it falls a little flat and the book takes a while to get going, again probably due to expectation - the book, for me, is a victim of its own hype and popularity. Overall though, it is certainly one for the bookshelf and it isn't too taxing. There is value to be had from reading it but I get the feeling that as time passes the impact of the book will continue to wane. This is probably a book I would recommend alongside others, but never the single 'go to' book on building purposeful organisations.

A really good book to reflect on your current position and opportunities in your line of work. Highly recommend and will continue with the series.

One idea well known a long time ago repeated in more than 200 pages, the worst book I’ve ever read

225 pages for a book that could have been an email, always repeating the same ideas over and over. we have everything we need to know of the book after the first 10 pages.

The language used in the book makes easy for anyone to read without a break.

I had my first contact with Simon on a TEDS presentation when I've got surprised on hiw simple he makes the real customer engagement appears. The honnest approach that distinguishes the What from Why.

This book has helped me understand my WHY and the WHY of the business I work for. Know that has empowered me in both my personal and professional life and guides me to be the best I can and do the best I can for others.