Simon Sinek quotes business management

8 Simon Sinek Quotes that Make Us All Want to Become a Leader

If you're not familiar with Simon Sinek, you should know that he is more than just a nicely alliterative name.

London, England native Sinek is a member of RAND Corporation, the noted think-tank specializing in interdisciplinary global policy, as well as a graduate-level instructor of strategic communications at Columbia University. He has gained a tremendous following as an expert on inspirational leadership, thanks to his books and his talks for TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design), the non-profit organization dedicated to providing a network of information from the world's greatest thinkers.

Sinek has popularized the concept of the "Golden Circle," in which the question of why a business exists should be a company's core concept, leading to fulfilling that idea through how and what. He contends that many companies struggle because their priorities are in the reverse order. His TED talk on the subject, titled "How Great Leaders Inspire Action," has generated nearly 25 million views to date. 

 

It's definitely worthwhile to view Sinek's charismatic and motivational talks, but they have also generated countless nuggets that are powerfully inspirational on their own, especially for those interested in a future in business management.

Here are some great Simon Sinek quotes to help you unlock your own leadership potential.

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"Great leaders are willing to sacrifice the numbers to save the people. Poor leaders sacrifice the people to save the numbers."

Reducing the workforce has become a common way for companies to attempt improving the bottom line, ignoring the idea that employees are their greatest asset. A good leader understands that and looks for ways to nurture and encourage employees, knowing those actions will also benefit the company as a whole.

"There is a difference between listening and waiting for your turn to speak."

How often have you remained silent during a discussion, not because you were actually listening to the other person but because you were busy preparing what you were going to say? Listening is an active process that requires your full attention and shows others you are truly interested in understanding their opinions and ideas.

"Great leaders don't need to act tough. Their confidence and humility serve to underscore their toughness."

You have no doubt seen examples in your life of people who believe they have to put forth a hard, even abrasive image to appear strong and decisive. What they don't know is that a true leader is secure enough in his strength to allow confidence (not arrogance) and humility show through.

"Humility, I have learned, must never be confused with meekness. Humility is being open to the ideas of others."

These statements go hand-in-hand with the previous quote. Humility is often perceived as the quality of being self-effacing and timid. True humility involves the willingness to give consideration to other ideas, not simply go through the motions of listening. 

"The challenge of the unknown future is so much more exciting than the stories of the accomplished past."

Fans of successful sports teams often like to brag about past victories and championships in a misguided attempt to demonstrate success. Leaders prefer focusing on the potential of what's ahead rather than the old news of what's behind.

"A leader's job is not to do the work for others, it's to help others figure out how to do it themselves, to get things done, and to succeed beyond what they thought possible."

For various reasons, some people in leadership positions are uncomfortable delegating responsibility. They may believe that no one can do the work as well as they can, or they may be insecure about the possibility of being supplanted by someone else. In reality, a leader's greatest worth is in strategically delegating the right work to the right people, as well as motivating others to realize their greatest potential by setting and achieving goals they thought were out of reach.

"Spending too much time focused on others' strengths leaves us feeling weak. Focusing on our own strengths is what, in fact, makes us strong." 

It's all too easy to fall into the trap of comparing your abilities and accomplishments to others around you, which is a guaranteed road to discontent and unhappiness that can ultimately immobilize you. Discovering your own strengths and working on maximizing them is a proactive method of setting yourself apart from others.

"If you can clearly articulate the dream or the goal, start."

People often wait for the "right time" to pursue their ambitions, and that time never comes. Once a dream becomes tangible enough to describe, that's enough to make it the "right time" to begin.

Are You Ready to Become a Leader?

Do you have your own dream of leading a successful team in a vital industry such as e-commerce, information systems or banking and finance? Contact ECPI today to find out how you can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in as little as two-and-a-half years. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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