Start with Why
by Simon Sinek
Sinek's golden circle, why, how, what, argues that people buy and follow purpose, not features. The book extends his famous talk with examples from Apple to the Wright brothers, and it is longer than the idea requires. The 'why' exercise remains a useful way to clarify a message or a mission.
Read it if…
you lead or market anything and your messaging starts with what you do.
Skip it if…
you have seen the talk; the book adds examples, not much depth.
Three things you will actually use
- Start communication with purpose.
- Hire people who believe what you believe.
- Test every message: does it begin with why?
Do this first
Write your why in one sentence that does not mention your product or job title.
Our verdict
A useful idea stretched to book length; the talk may be enough.
Compare with other Leadership books
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Sincere, sprawling and worth it for the right leader.
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Extreme Ownership
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Hard-edged and useful; the ownership idea alone justifies it.
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Good to Great
Jim Collins · Leadership
A landmark business book; use the frameworks, remember the caveats.
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