How great leaders inspire action | Simon Sinek | TED

TED・2 minutes read

Great leaders and organizations like Apple, Martin Luther King, and the Wright brothers share a common approach of starting with "why" to inspire others, emphasizing beliefs over products or services. This approach is crucial for success, as seen through examples like TiVo's failure due to focusing on product features rather than deeper beliefs, leading to commercial downfall despite favorable market conditions.

Insights

  • Success of Apple, Wright brothers, and Dr. King attributed to a common approach of starting with a strong belief or purpose ("why") to inspire action, contrasting with competitors who focus on resources or fame.
  • TiVo's commercial failure underscores the significance of connecting with consumers on a deeper level by emphasizing beliefs and purpose over product features, showcasing the impact of the "why" in driving success or failure in the market.

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Recent questions

  • How did Apple achieve innovation?

    Through a unique approach despite similar resources.

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Summary

00:00

"Innovation and Belief Drive Success Stories"

  • Apple's innovation is attributed to their unique approach, despite having similar resources as competitors.
  • Martin Luther King's leadership in the Civil Rights Movement is questioned, as others faced similar challenges.
  • The Wright brothers' success in powered flight is highlighted over better-funded competitors.
  • A discovery led to the realization that great leaders and organizations share a common approach.
  • The "golden circle" concept is introduced, emphasizing the importance of knowing "why" over "what" or "how."
  • Apple's communication strategy is contrasted with traditional marketing approaches.
  • People are drawn to the "why" behind actions, not just the products or services offered.
  • The Wright brothers' belief in their dream led to their success, contrasting with Samuel Pierpont Langley's pursuit of fame and riches.
  • The law of diffusion of innovation explains the importance of attracting those who share beliefs for mass-market success.
  • People's actions reflect their beliefs, influencing their choices and behaviors.

13:41

"TiVo's Failure: Lack of Purpose"

  • TiVo, despite being a high-quality product with excellent market conditions and funding, faced commercial failure due to a lack of financial success post-IPO, with its stock never trading above $10.
  • TiVo's failure stemmed from their initial marketing approach, focusing on product features rather than the underlying belief or purpose, failing to connect with consumers on a deeper level.
  • Dr. King's successful leadership example highlights the importance of starting with a belief or purpose ("why") to inspire others, as seen in the Civil Rights Movement where people rallied not for him but for their shared beliefs in justice and equality.
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