Start With Why

Sinek highlights Dr. King (1929-1968) as an exemplary leader who started with “why” in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Dr. King’s unwavering commitment to the Civil Rights Movement and his clear vision for a better future inspired millions of people. He is thus a powerful example of how a compelling “why” can mobilize people for a cause. Sinek does not sanctify Dr. King, acknowledging that “he [Dr. King] was not perfect. He had his complexities” (5). Instead, Sinek focuses on Dr. King’s clear gift for inspiring others to join a movement in which the “why” itself transcended the symbolic leader of the cause.

Steve Jobs (1955-2011) is portrayed as a visionary entrepreneur who founded Apple with a clear “why” centered around challenging the status quo. Apple’s success illustrates the power of aligning a company’s purpose with its products and culture, and Sinek credits Jobs’s tenure at the helm of Apple as the primary reason why Apple went on to become so distinguished among its marketplace competitors. According to Sinek, “Jobs gave people a filter, a context, a higher purpose around which to innovate” (109).

The Wright Brothers’ success in achieving powered flight in the early years of the 20th century is a testament to their strong sense of “why,” as their story demonstrates how a deep belief in one’s mission enables one to overcome countless obstacles and change the course of history. Orville and Wilbur Wright’s “why” was to defy conventional thinking, and by inspiring a small team of loyal collaborators who shared their vision, they were able to invent the first successful powered aircraft. Despite other aspiring inventors having more funding and formal support, the Wright Brothers succeeded because they were explicitly fueled by their “why.”

Bill Gates (1955-) embodies the principles outlined in the book. Gates’s “why” was to make personal computing accessible to everyone, driven by his belief in innovation and progress. Microsoft, the company he co-founded, succeeded by consistently communicating this “why,” thereby inspiring a passionate team that shared his vision. Gates’s personal journey illustrates how a well-defined “why” can evolve over time while remaining true to itself. According to Sinek, Gates “is looking for ways to solve problems. He still has an undying belief” (148).