How Great Leaders Inspire Action
In his TED Talk presentation, Simon Sinek presents his thoughts about how great leaders inspire action. He works to demonstrate examples of both successful and unsuccessful ventures that feature key differences between great leaders and the rest of the world. The concepts he presents are not limited to any one person or company, but instead those that apply to all people. Identifying what connects people to products or more importantly what connects people to people is the highlight of his discussion. Ultimately, success in leadership links directly to one key element: the ability to inspire.
As I look at the world around me, I filter the thoughts and actions of others and work to relate them to my own experiences in life. Concepts that are contrary to my own experience or personal beliefs tend to create pause for reflection, but seldom maintain any future relevance in my life. Alternately, when I encounter a person or an idea that ties in closely with my personal objectives or experience, I tend to be drawn to them in the future. Simon Sinek presents his thoughts on why this holds true for most people. After listening to his presentation, there was a specific concept that Simon shared that stayed with me more than any other. This is the idea that “people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” Moreover, he details that the “why you do it” directly relates to your purpose, your cause and your beliefs. Leaders or organizations that clearly communicate their “why” are far more likely to connect with people in a way that inspires trust and a desire to maintain a relationship. This relationship may work in a Seller/Consumer structure, an Employer/Employee structure or simply in a Person/Person context. I think it is safe to say that all people would prefer to be involved with somebody who inspires them than somebody who doesn’t – regardless of the relationship.
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, and will likely mention again, I work for Starbucks Coffee Company. When I came to the company nearly seven years ago, I knew that it was a well-respected company that had a clear focus on caring for its people. That alone was enough reason for me want to get involved with them as an employee (partners as Starbucks refers to us). The decision to stay with the company, however, comes as a result in understanding the “why” behind the company, and specifically its founder and CEO Howard Shultz. I would, without hesitation, describe Howard Shultz as a great leader and have been personally inspired by him on more occasions than I can count. He works tirelessly to ensure that Starbucks is a company that not only remains profitable (which, as Simon states is a result of business not a reason for business) but that it is a company that respected for the concern and consideration it shows for all people at all levels of interaction. The Starbucks Mission Statement and Statement of Values is as follows: “Our Mission: To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time. With our partners, our coffee and our customers at our core, we live these values: Creating a culture of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome. Acting with courage, challenging the status quo and finding new ways to grow our company and each other. Being present, connecting with transparency, dignity and respect. Delivering our very best in all we do, holding ourselves accountable for results. We are performance driven, through the lens of humanity.” These statements are a powerful view of the “why” behind our company. Having seen countless demonstrations of the success (and sometimes failures) of this “why” brought to life makes me want to continue to be a partner of this company.
In his discussion, Simon Sinek states that “There are leaders and there are those who lead. Leaders hold a position of power or authority, but those who lead inspire us.” In a real world way, I have seen the truth and the impact of this statement. I have been, and continue to be, inspired by my company. As a result, I work for them because I relate to them and the “why” behind them. Companies that are successful in communicating their reason for doing what they do are far more likely to connect with people who will support the company needs and vision. That support is what leads to success and it all comes down to one thing: inspiration.