This week’s Resource Recommendation: Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek

Since I already believe in the title’s statement (and say it all the time), I had two thoughts before I even opened this book:

  1. I wish I had thought of the title first.
  2. I hope the book lives up to the title.

Start With WhyWhile I still wish I had thought of the title first, the book does live up to its title. It looks at change and influence from the perspective of why, rather than how.

It takes a logical flow of topics including how humans are wired (and therefore why “why” is so powerful) and talks about trust and change. Plus, the back half of the book is much more ‘practical’ and helps you apply the lessons you’ve learned in the front half.

I found the book to be a good read on a topic that I personally think is extremely valuable to internal, organizational leaders and leaders of products and services in the marketplace. Sinek draws examples from both perspectives to make his points and to help you both understand and apply the concepts of Start with Why.

While some of his examples are used by many others (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Apple for instance), he draws new ideas and thoughts from these, as well as sharing many stories and examples you likely haven’t heard before.

Over all I liked the book and think you will too. I believe this topic deserves even more thought and writing, but this doesn’t diminish the contribution and value of this book.

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Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, on leadership, learning, teams and teamwork, communication and more.

Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and 100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference. The American Management Association named him a “Leaders to Watch” and he has been twice named as one of the World's Top 30 Leadership Professionals by Global Gurus. Top Sales World has named him a Top Sales & Marketing Influencer several times, and his blog has been named on many “best of” lists. LeadersHum has named him one of the 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership in 2023.

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