When we start with why, we unlock a powerful truth about motivation. It’s the difference between just doing a job and feeling truly driven by it. This simple shift in perspective can transform how you lead and connect with people.
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Meaning
It’s about the profound power of purpose. Your “why” is your internal engine, and sharing it is how you invite others to join your journey.
Explanation
Let me break this down for you. I’ve seen this play out so many times in my career. The first part, “when we start with why, we inspire ourselves,” is the foundation. It’s that deep, personal conviction that gets you out of bed on a tough Monday. It’s your North Star. Without that, you’re just going through the motions, you know?
But here’s the real magic—the part that most people miss. “When we share our why, we inspire others.” This is the multiplier effect. It’s not about telling people *what* to do; it’s about showing them *why* it matters. You’re not just assigning a task; you’re offering a piece of a bigger mission. That’s how you build a team that’s truly invested, not just employed. It transforms a transaction into a connection.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3669) |
| Category | Skill (416) |
| Topics | communication (196), inspiration (23), purpose (186) |
| Literary Style | motivational (245), parallel (10) |
| Emotion / Mood | inclusive (13), uplifting (157) |
| Overall Quote Score | 86 (262) |
Origin & Factcheck
This specific quote comes straight from the 2017 book Find Your Why by Simon Sinek, David Mead, and Peter Docker. It’s a practical follow-up to Sinek’s famous “Start With Why” concept, giving teams and individuals a real blueprint for discovery.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Simon Sinek (207) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Find Your Why: A Practical Guide for Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team (59) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1892) |
| Original Language | English (3669) |
| 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 | When we start with why, we inspire ourselves; when we share our why, we inspire others |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2017; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 978-0143111726; Last edition: Portfolio Penguin 2017; Number of pages: 256 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 4: Communicating Your Why; Approximate page from 2017 edition |