E206 - Simon Sinek: ‘Start with why’ when searching for High Performance

Simon Sinek is an author and inspirational speaker. Simon is known for his books ‘Start with Why’ and ‘Find Your Why’, both of which focus on how to find your purpose and help those in your life find it too. Finding your Why, is the idea that “everyone knows what we do, some of us know how we do it, but very few of us can articulate why we do what we do.” Great leaders think, act and communicate in the exact same way, which is completely different from everyone else. They tell people why they do what they do, rather than what they do. In this episode, they delve into how Simon found his why, after becoming unfulfilled in work and life whilst at career high point and how he helps others find their why too.

They also discuss how you cannot be a high performer on your own. He shares language is crucial when giving feedback and how to shape criticism so those in power will respond well to it. This episode is a deep dive into finding your purpose, using your best attributes to their fullest and what makes a great leader.

Listen to Simon help Jake find his ‘Why’ exclusively on the High Performance App.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

Find Simon’s book ‘Start with Why’ here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/start-with-why-how-great-leaders-inspire-everyone-to-take-action-simon-sinek/239994?ean=9780241958223

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### Section 1: Introduction to Simon Sinek and the Podcast Episode

* Simon Sinek is an author and inspirational speaker known for his books "Start with Why" and "Find Your Why."
* The podcast episode delves into how Simon found his "Why," which is the driving force behind his work.
* Simon emphasizes the importance of finding your "Why" and using it to guide your life and work.

### Section 2: The Concept of "Why" and Its Significance

* "Why" is the core belief or purpose that motivates an individual or organization.
* Great leaders and organizations start with "Why" rather than "What" or "How."
* Communicating "Why" effectively can inspire and engage others, leading to higher performance and loyalty.

### Section 3: The Biology of Decision-Making and the Role of "Why"

* The human brain's limbic system, responsible for emotions and behavior, is influenced by "Why."
* Starting with "Why" appeals to the emotional part of the brain, creating a deeper connection and inspiring action.
* Rational explanations and features (the "What" and "How") are processed by the neocortex, which is responsible for logical thinking.

### Section 4: Discovering Your "Why"

* Your "Why" is fully formed by your mid to late teens and remains consistent throughout your life.
* To discover your "Why," engage in self-reflection and ask yourself what you love doing and what values drive you.
* The "Friend's Exercise" is a technique to help you uncover your "Why" by asking a close friend why they value your friendship.

### Section 5: Applying "Why" to Teams and Organizations

* A company's "Why" is its origin story and the founder's vision.
* Communicating the "Why" of a team or organization can foster a sense of purpose and unity among members.
* Sharing stories of what team members love about their work can attract like-minded individuals and repel those who don't align with the organization's values.

### Section 6: Simon's Personal Experience of Discovering His "Why"

* Simon shares a childhood memory of feeling a sense of belonging and joy while on a family road trip.
* He relates this experience to the feeling of being part of a team or organization that shares a common purpose.
* Simon's "Why" is rooted in his desire to create a world where people feel inspired, safe, and fulfilled by their work.

### Section 7: The Importance of Authenticity and Alignment

* Authenticity means aligning your actions and words with your core values and beliefs.
* Making choices that are in line with your "Why" leads to a greater sense of fulfillment and authenticity.
* Simon emphasizes the importance of finding work that aligns with your "Why" to achieve high performance and satisfaction.

### Section 8: The Power of Inspiration and Shared Purpose

* Inspiration can spread through an organization when leaders and team members are passionate about their "Why."
* A shared sense of purpose can motivate individuals to go above and beyond their job descriptions.
* Simon believes that every individual has the potential to inspire others and make a positive impact on the world.

### Overall Message:

Simon Sinek's message centers around the importance of discovering and living in alignment with your "Why." By understanding your core beliefs and values, you can make choices that lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life. This concept applies not only to individuals but also to teams and organizations, where a shared sense of purpose can inspire and drive high performance. Simon encourages listeners to reflect on their "Why" and to use it as a guiding force in their personal and professional lives.

**Navigating the Podcast**

- For the full conversation and Simon's guidance in finding your "Why," search for "High Performance" in the app store and use the exclusive code HP app.


**Discovering Your "Why"**

- Simon Sinek's journey to discovering his "Why" began with a realization that he had fallen out of love with his successful marketing consultancy.
- He emphasized the importance of finding your "Why" to gain a deeper understanding of your purpose and motivations.
- Sinek highlights the significance of seeking help and support from trusted friends or professionals when facing challenges and seeking clarity.


**The Significance of Courage and Vulnerability**

- Sinek emphasizes the courage required to ask vulnerable questions and open up about personal struggles.
- He stresses the importance of having courageous friends who genuinely care and are willing to provide support during difficult times.
- Sinek and his friend developed a unique way of expressing their love and support by saying, "You're never alone."


**The Value of Collaboration and Teamwork**

- Sinek emphasizes the belief that high performance cannot be achieved solely through individual efforts.
- He highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration, stating that trying to solve life's problems alone can lead to addiction and harmful coping mechanisms.
- Sinek encourages individuals to seek support from others, embrace vulnerability, and foster meaningful relationships.


**Finding Strength in Acknowledging Weaknesses**

- Sinek challenges the traditional view of strengths and weaknesses, suggesting that they are context-dependent attributes.
- He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's characteristics and seeking environments that leverage strengths while minimizing weaknesses.
- Sinek provides an example of how recognizing his own weaknesses in working independently led him to seek a supportive team for a specific project.


**Making Informed Choices and Weighing Costs**

- Sinek discusses the significance of making informed choices by carefully considering the costs and benefits of various options.
- He believes that everything comes with a cost, including money, career, relationships, and health.
- Sinek encourages individuals to weigh the costs and benefits before making decisions, acknowledging that sometimes the cost is worth it while other times it is not.


**Additional Resources and Insights**

- AG1 by Athletic Greens: A comprehensive multivitamin and whole food supplement trusted by Sinek and many others for daily health and well-being.
- BlueNile.com: A reputable online jeweler offering lab-grown diamonds identical to natural diamonds, with a special offer for listeners.
- Mint Mobile: A wireless service provider offering premium plans for just $15 per month, with exceptional service quality.
- Jo Malone's story: An example of identifying unique strengths and thriving in an environment that aligns with those strengths.
- Richard Branson's upbringing: A story highlighting the benefits of adversity and curiosity in shaping an individual's success.
- The importance of leadership: Sinek discusses leaders who have inspired others and left a lasting impact beyond their own lives.
- Steve Jobs' influence: Sinek analyzes the reasons behind Steve Jobs' ability to connect with people and inspire loyalty.

## Summary of the Podcast Episode ##

**Main Themes:**

- The importance of finding your 'Why'.
- How to use language effectively when giving and receiving feedback.
- The significance of surrounding yourself with the right people.
- How to maintain a grounded perspective, even in the face of success.

**Key Points:**

- Simon Sinek is an author and inspirational speaker known for his books 'Start with Why' and 'Find Your Why', which focus on helping individuals and organizations discover their purpose.
- Finding your 'Why' is crucial because it provides a clear direction and motivation for your actions.
- Great leaders communicate in a way that resonates with others by focusing on the 'Why' rather than just the 'What' or 'How'.
- High performance cannot be achieved alone; effective leaders recognize the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
- When giving feedback, it is essential to choose language that is respectful and constructive, focusing on specific behaviors rather than personal attacks.
- Surrounding yourself with people who challenge and support you is vital for personal and professional growth.
- True success involves recognizing that the accolades and recognition you receive are often more reflective of the position you hold rather than your individual worth.
- Maintaining a grounded perspective, even in the face of success, requires humility and an awareness of the transient nature of external validation.
- Having a strong sense of purpose and a clear 'Why' can serve as a guiding force, helping you stay motivated and focused, even when faced with challenges.

**Memorable Quotes:**

- "If you want to achieve anything in this world, you have to get used to the idea that not everybody's gonna like you." - Simon Sinek
- "The right people always made introductions for me." - Simon Sinek
- "I don't show my work to anybody except about one person." - Simon Sinek
- "I mean, one of the things that I do notice about people who sort of had some sort of commercial success, especially the ones who had it young, is their guards go up." - Simon Sinek
- "Like, everybody knows this when you achieve any kind of commercial success whatsoever, all your jokes are funnier and you're much better looking, right? It's just what happens." - Simon Sinek
- "If you believe your own press and you believe all the smoke that people blow up your ass, then it's gonna be a short existence." - Simon Sinek
- "I think every successful person on the planet is given ceramic cups. They hold doors open for you. They give you perks. They give you free products, you know, whatever it is." - Simon Sinek
- "The ceramic cup was never meant for me. It was meant for the position I held. I deserve a styrofoam cup." - Former Undersecretary of Defense
- "I think the people that think that they deserve the ceramic cup. They've missed they've missed the plot." - Simon Sinek
- "There's a combination of things. I think definitely knowing your why is a part of it. Definitely surrounding yourself with people who tell you you're an idiot is important, you know, my sister is the first person to be like get over yourself, you know." - Simon Sinek
- "And I've worked very hard to make it not about me." - Simon Sinek

**Overall Message:**

Finding your 'Why' and surrounding yourself with supportive individuals are crucial elements for personal and professional fulfillment. True success involves recognizing that external validation is fleeting and that maintaining a grounded perspective is essential for long-term happiness and impact.

## Simon Sinek's Appearance on the High Performance Podcast: A Detailed Summary

### Overview

- Simon Sinek, author and inspirational speaker, joined Jake Humphrey on the High Performance Podcast to discuss finding one's purpose, utilizing strengths, and the characteristics of effective leadership.

### Key Points

- **Finding Your Why:**

- Sinek emphasizes the significance of discovering one's "why" or purpose in life and work. He believes that great leaders communicate their "why" rather than just "what" they do.

- The "Friends Exercise" is a valuable tool for identifying your "why." It involves asking friends and colleagues to describe the consistent themes and patterns they observe in your behavior, especially during moments of peak performance.

- Sinek's book, "Start with Why," and other resources are available to help individuals and organizations uncover their "why."

- **Utilizing Strengths:**

- High performance cannot be achieved solely through individual efforts. Collaboration and teamwork are essential.

- Effective leaders recognize and leverage the strengths of their team members, creating an environment where everyone can contribute their unique talents.

- Sinek highlights the importance of providing constructive feedback in a respectful and supportive manner to promote growth and development.

- **Characteristics of Effective Leadership:**

- Great leaders possess a clear sense of purpose and are able to articulate their "why" in a compelling way.

- They prioritize the well-being of others, recognizing that high performance for personal gain is unsustainable. True fulfillment comes from contributing to the success of others.

- Effective leaders create a culture of trust, respect, and psychological safety, fostering an environment where team members feel empowered to take risks and innovate.

- Sinek emphasizes the importance of honor and integrity in leadership, valuing actions that benefit others, even when no one is watching.

### Conclusion

Simon Sinek's appearance on the High Performance Podcast provided valuable insights into finding purpose, utilizing strengths, and the qualities of effective leadership. The episode emphasized the significance of aligning actions with one's "why," fostering a collaborative environment, and prioritizing the well-being of others.