Simon Sinek is a well-known author with a track record of success. His books, such as Start With Why and Leaders Eat Last, have been extremely popular. Additionally, his first TED Talk in 2009 gained widespread attention, becoming the third most watched talk on TED.com with over 46 million views.
Tack TMI had the privilege of hosting Mr. Sinek at the Gi Group office in Milan for a private keynote alongside his involvement at the World Business Forum. The event, moderated by Tack TMI CEO Jim O’Brien, centered around subjects that are important to us, including the creation of sustainable work environments, the significance of leaders having a distinct vision, and the crucial role of training employees in enabling them to achieve their maximum capabilities and ensuring their comfort and safety in the workplace.
1. Avoid putting emphasis on attaining the top position.
Business differs from football or chess as it lacks identifiable players, set rules, or a distinct ending point. Despite this, companies often strive to be deemed the top contender. This is because they operate with a limited mindset rather than an expansive one. It is crucial for leaders to concentrate on establishing enduring businesses that can go far beyond their own existence.
So, how can leaders adopt an infinite mindset, then? The answer lies in placing their focus on the individuals within their organization. Leaders who aspire for genuine success in their businesses must always prioritize the well-being of their employees.
The only way to create teams that trust each other and feel comfortable admitting mistakes or seeking help is by prioritizing the needs of the employees over spreadsheets. When the company gives more importance to spreadsheets, the relationship with employees becomes transactional.
2. Take action instead of responding to a situation.
Companies that have a limited mindset respond to their competitors’ actions with the goal of becoming the top company in their industry. They participate in an ongoing competition with their “rivals” but overlook their true purpose.
A number of companies have adopted this narrow-minded approach and as a result, lost sight of their goals while attempting to discover the next major opportunity. Examples include Boeing versus Airbus, Starbuck versus Costa, and Dell versus Apple. The only method to establish a lasting business is by finding a distinct vision, consistently taking action based on it, and valuing the individuals employed by your company.
Ensure that your employees receive training.
Becoming a sales manager is not an immediate transition for a salesperson.
In order to assist individuals in smoothly transitioning within organizations, it is essential to provide them with training in essential skills like empathy, confrontation, feedback delivery, and leadership. If an organization desires loyalty from its employees, it must prioritize and nurture them, enabling them to reach their fullest potential.
The delivery of training is also important in determining its effectiveness. While a one-day training is better than no training at all, lasting results require a longer timeframe. In today’s world, where laptops and mobile phones are ubiquitous, the need for human skills is more essential than ever, especially for young individuals who have grown up in a digital era. Furthermore, these skills must be consistently nurtured over time.
There is a distinction between happiness and joy.
Many organizations and employees confuse happiness with joy: happiness is temporary and fluctuates, and the belief that we must constantly love our job can lead to frustration. Instead, we should strive for fulfillment and discover joy in our work. How can we attain this state in our lives and careers?
The initial step that needs to be taken is to assist one another and establish human connections. How often have we chosen to send an email rather than making the effort to visit our coworker’s workstation? How frequently have we allowed ourselves to become preoccupied by our phones or by checking emails during a professional gathering? We are all culpable of these actions and should return to fundamental principles by refraining from continuously fixating on screens throughout the workday.
5. Leaders need a following
In order to be a leader, it is necessary to have individuals who willingly choose to follow you. Before anyone decides to follow, trust must be established. Trust is not automatically formed when a customer decides to make a purchase. Trust cannot be achieved by simply checking off all your duties and responsibilities.
Trust is a sentiment that arises when we perceive that someone or a group is motivated by motives beyond their own personal benefits. Gaining trust requires communicating and showing that you hold the same principles and convictions.
The heretical belief of Herb Kelleher, Founder and former CEO of Southwest Airlines, leads us to the understanding that the company has the responsibility to prioritize the well-being of its employees. Ensuring the happiness of employees leads to contented customers, which ultimately leads to satisfied shareholders, maintaining the order of importance.
6. Communication isn’t about speaking, its about listening
While most companies possess logos, only a portion of them have successfully transformed these logos into significant representations. Many companies struggle in effectively conveying their core beliefs and the reason behind their existence.
If the reason for a logo is uncertain, it lacks meaning. Describing a logo as representing qualities like quality, service, and innovation only emphasizes that it is solely a logo. These qualities are related to the company, not the purpose.
In order for a logo to transform into a symbol, individuals must be motivated to utilize it as a means of expressing their identity. Sinek’s book, “START WITH WHY,” provides an impactful illustration with Harley Davidson.
Why would someone tattoo a corporate logo on their body, even if they don’t own the product? Harley-Davidson tattoos are seen on individuals who may not necessarily possess the company’s products. The reasons behind this decision seem puzzling for logical individuals. Harley Davidson has effectively communicated their beliefs and philosophy.
Their years of dedication to their “WHY” and their consistent behavior has resulted in their logo transforming into a symbol that represents more than just a company and its products; it represents a set of values.
Sinek introduces a metaphor called the “Celery Test” which can be utilized to determine precisely WHAT and HOW is suitable for an individual.
7. Serving those that serve others
Being a great leader is similar to being a parent. In the same way that we offer our children the chance to develop self-confidence, education, and discipline when needed, it is with the purpose of enabling them to surpass our expectations.
Having authority does not automatically make someone a leader, as leadership is not determined by rank. On the other hand, individuals without authority can still exhibit leadership qualities and be considered leaders.
The reason we refer to them as leaders is because:
- They go first, they take the risk before anyone else does.
- They choose to sacrifice so that their people may be safe, protected and so that they may gain.
When leaders have a vision that others believe in, the outcome is astonishing. Individuals are willing to make sacrifices, dedicating their efforts and emotions, to ensure that their leaders’ vision becomes a reality.
Simon Sinek presents the question of whether we all aspire to work for an organization that responds with the same reasoning when asked “WHY”: “Because they would have done it for me.” This question arises from his thought-provoking TED Talk titled “Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe.”
Simon Sinek imparts some highly valuable lessons for personal and professional improvement, prompting us to think step by step.
8. Have clarity, discipline, and consistency
If you lack an understanding of the reason behind your actions, how can you expect others to understand? This comprehension is what allows exceptional leaders to express the purpose of their organization, which extends beyond the products and services it offers.
Leading necessitates individuals who are willing to follow. It involves being involved in something greater than oneself, initially with employees and subsequently with customers. The process of inspiring others to follow commences with possessing a clear sense of purpose or reason behind one’s actions.
Once you have a clear understanding of why you want to do something, the next logical step is to determine how you will achieve it. Your values or principles play a crucial role in bringing your purpose to fruition. It is relatively easy to identify your “why,” but the real challenge lies in maintaining the necessary discipline to stay true to your purpose. Being accountable for your actions and how you approach things is the most arduous aspect.
Sinek emphasizes that instead of using the term “integrity,” it should be stated as “always do the right thing.” Similarly, rather than using “innovation,” Sinek suggests using “look at the problem from a different angle.”
In order to stay true to your values, the discipline of “HOW” relies on staying focused on the “WHY” (what you believe) by thinking step by step.
In order to maintain consistency, everything you say and do should align with your beliefs. Your beliefs shape your “what” – the outcome you strive to achieve – and guide the actions you take to bring that outcome to fruition. This includes all aspects of your business: your products, services, marketing, PR, company culture, and the individuals you employ.
