Are You Against Something?

2min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

The more successful your organization is at being against something, the more that thing is in the world. I think it's ironic to be against something. It's a weak sort of purpose to have. Who do you see that does that wealthy stays? Who stands for something? Yeah. Sweet Green is really good. The salad company, they stand for local farmers and eating healthy. I think Airbnb does a decent job. They stand for connectivity. Microsoft has refound its purpose - productivity for all.

Simon Sinek: The Infinite Game Simon Sinek is an unshakable optimist. He is best known for popularizing the concept of WHY, which he described in his first TED Talk in 2009. That talk went on to become the second most watched TED Talk of all time, today surpassing 50 million views. His interview on millennials in the workplace propelled his name to be the fifth most searched term on YouTube in 2017. Simon is the author of five bestselling books, including Start With Why*, Leaders Eat Last*, and his newest book, The Infinite Game*. In this conversation, Simon and I discuss why he doesn’t believe these are unprecedented times, the difference between a finite and infinite game, and the distinction between a why and a just cause. We also detail how to uncover a just cause and five standards that an effective just cause must meet. Key Points Our products and services are some of the things we use to advance our cause. They are not themselves the cause. -Simon Sinek A just cause embraces five standards: For something: affirmative and optimistic. Inclusive: open to all those who would like to contribute Service-oriented: for the primary benefit of others Resilient: able to endure political, technological and cultural change Idealistic: big, bold and ultimately unachievable In the infinite game, the only real competitor is yourself. -Simon Sinek Resources Mentioned The Infinite Game* by Simon Sinek Live Online Classes by Simon Sinek Book Notes Download my highlights from The Infinite Game in PDF format (free membership required). Related Episodes Start With Why, with Simon Sinek (episode 223) How to Create a Vivid Vision, with Cameron Herold (episode 345) Tie Leadership Development to Business Results, with Mark Allen (episode 435) Leadership Through Massive Change, with Elizabeth Lilla (episode 463) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.