Brief Summary
This episode of The Diary Of A CEO features Simon Sinek, a visionary thinker and best-selling author, discussing the importance of finding and living by your "why" in both personal and professional life. Sinek argues that a strong "why" is essential for long-term fulfillment and that it should be rooted in serving others rather than achieving selfish goals. He also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and seeking feedback from others to identify blind spots and areas for growth. The episode explores the negative impact of lying in business and the importance of creating a culture of honesty and vulnerability. Sinek also discusses the challenges of leading and motivating younger generations in the workplace, highlighting the need for empathy and understanding.
- Finding your "why" is crucial for long-term fulfillment and should be rooted in serving others.
- Self-awareness is essential for personal growth and requires seeking feedback from others.
- Honesty and vulnerability are vital for building strong relationships and creating a healthy work environment.
- Leading younger generations requires empathy and understanding, recognizing their strengths and weaknesses.
Intro
The episode begins with Steven Bartlett introducing Simon Sinek, a renowned author and speaker known for his book "Start with Why." Bartlett highlights the impact of Sinek's work on his own life and business, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's "why."
Drifting from your ‘why’
Sinek shares a personal story about a time when he felt adrift from his "why." He was running a successful business but lacked passion and motivation. He realized that he was focused on external success and validation rather than his true purpose. This realization led him to explore the biology of human decision-making and the importance of understanding one's "why."
How do we create continuous goals?
Bartlett and Sinek discuss the pitfalls of setting arbitrary goals, such as wanting to get a six-pack for the summer. Sinek argues that these goals are often short-lived and don't contribute to long-term growth. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and seeking out information to identify blind spots and areas for improvement. He uses the example of taking a listening class to realize that he was a terrible listener despite being a good communicator in his professional life.
How do you find purpose in life?
Sinek emphasizes the importance of self-assessment but acknowledges its limitations. He believes that true self-awareness requires feedback from others, as we are often blind to our own shortcomings. He highlights the importance of building trust by asking for help and accepting feedback with gratitude.
The importance of assessment from others & nursing personal relationships
Sinek shares a story about a friend who sought his help during a difficult time, demonstrating the importance of having a strong support system. He argues that we often neglect our personal relationships in pursuit of professional goals, leading to isolation and a lack of purpose.
Practical advice to create a culture of seeking feedback from others
Sinek provides practical advice for creating a culture of seeking feedback in both personal and professional life. He shares examples from the Army Rangers, who implemented a system of peer review to identify "Spotlight Rangers" who excelled under supervision but struggled independently. He advocates for 360-degree feedback systems, where individuals receive feedback from colleagues, superiors, and subordinates.
Long term negative impact of lying in your business
Sinek discusses the psychological phenomenon of "ethical fading," where individuals in an organization become desensitized to unethical behavior. He argues that this often starts at the top and is fueled by pressure to achieve short-term goals. He emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of honesty and accountability, starting with small acts of truth-telling.
How to make the young generation thrive and stay motivated
Sinek addresses the challenges of leading and motivating younger generations in the workplace. He acknowledges that Gen Z exhibits many of the same characteristics as previous generations but is also more activist and conflict-avoidant. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding, recognizing that their strengths and weaknesses are often context-dependent.
Workplace flexibility
Bartlett and Sinek discuss the impact of remote work on workplace culture and the importance of finding a balance between flexibility and in-person interaction. Sinek argues that the office environment can be a valuable asset for building relationships and fostering a sense of community.
Steven, what are the reasons you're doing DOAC
Bartlett asks Sinek about his motivations for creating The Diary Of A CEO podcast. Sinek reveals that he enjoys the process of learning from others and believes that the podcast provides a valuable service to its listeners. He emphasizes that his primary goal is to help others tell the truth to themselves and others, even if it means sacrificing personal gain.
What are you working on next?
Sinek shares his current projects, including his imprint with Penguin Random House, "Optimism Press," which focuses on publishing books that inspire positive change. He also discusses his work on police reform and his efforts to help companies build sustainable and purpose-driven cultures.
What is your dark side?
Bartlett asks Sinek about his "dark side," acknowledging that brilliance often comes with challenges. Sinek reveals that he struggles with ADHD and reading, preferring to learn through listening and conversation. He acknowledges that his work may be perceived as genius but emphasizes that this doesn't make him a genius.
Our last guest’s question
The episode concludes with the last guest's question for Sinek: "What was the happiest moment of your life so far?" Sinek responds by saying that he doesn't believe in finding happiness in the past, but rather in the future. He expresses his desire to contribute to solving the problems discussed in the episode, such as police reform and reinventing modern business. He believes that a life worth living is one that continues to inspire and empower others even after he is gone.
