Every single organization on the planet knows WHAT they do… but very few know WHY. It’s the secret sauce that separates the forgettable from the unforgettable brands and leaders we all admire.
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Meaning
This quote isn’t about a company’s products or services; it’s about its purpose, its cause, its belief. The “Why” is the emotional core that drives everything.
Explanation
Look, here’s the thing I’ve seen over and over. Most companies lead with what they sell. “We make great computers.” That’s a transaction. But the ones that truly build movements, they start with the why. “We believe in challenging the status quo and thinking differently.” See the difference? The “What” is the result. The “How” is the process. But the “Why”… that’s the belief that gets people to buy in, not just buy. It’s what inspires loyalty and makes work feel like a mission. It’s the North Star for every decision.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Business (233) |
| Topics | clarity (95), organization (18), purpose (186) |
| Literary Style | analytical (121), structured (37) |
| Emotion / Mood | curious (37) |
| Overall Quote Score | 85 (305) |
Origin & Factcheck
This is the central idea from Simon Sinek’s 2009 book, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action. It’s often confused with his famous TED Talk, but the concept originated in the book first, published in the United States. It’s pure Sinek.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Simon Sinek (207) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action (54) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1892) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Simon Sinek champions a leadership philosophy rooted in purpose, trust, and service. He started in advertising, then founded Sinek Partners and gained global attention with his TED Talk on the Golden Circle. He advises companies and the military, writes bestselling books, and hosts the podcast “A Bit of Optimism.” The Simon Sinek book list features Start With Why, Leaders Eat Last, Together Is Better, Find Your Why, and The Infinite Game. He speaks worldwide about building strong cultures, empowering people, and leading for the long term.
| Official Website | Facebook | X| Instagram | YouTube
Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Every single organization on the planet knows WHAT they do. Some know HOW they do it. But very few know WHY they do it |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2009; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 978-1591842804; Last edition: Portfolio/Penguin 2011; Number of pages: 256 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 3: The Golden Circle, Approximate page from 2011 edition |