Top quotes by Simon Sinek

The world is a bell curve. Classroom test scores, employee performance in a company or how many people really, really like you. No matter the population you're studying, they always fit neatly across the standard deviations of the famous bell curve. Votes: 25

The strong bond of friendship is not always a balanced equation; friendship is not always about giving and taking in equal shares. Instead, friendship is grounded in a feeling that you know exactly who will be there for you when you need something, no matter what or when. Votes: 22

Mergers are like marriages. They are the bringing together of two individuals. If you wouldn't marry someone for the 'operational efficiencies' they offer in the running of a household, then why would you combine two companies with unique cultures and identities for that reason? Votes: 22

The irony is, the advertising industry knows everyone hates what they produce. This is why they keep looking for new ways to force people to stay tuned. Votes: 21

More information is always better than less. When people know the reason things are happening, even if it's bad news, they can adjust their expectations and react accordingly. Keeping people in the dark only serves to stir negative emotions. Votes: 21

It's important to slow down, every now and then, for no other reason than to call someone to say 'Hi.' It doesn't have to be a long conversation. Just calling out of the blue does more to let someone know you still care about them than nearly anything else. Votes: 17

Spending time with the military certainly lends itself to some remarkable experiences, and I've been privileged to have had my share. Votes: 16

The most effective leaders are actually better at guarding against danger when they acknowledge it that it exists. Cowards, in contrast, cling to the hope that failure will never happen and may be sloppy in the face of danger - not because they don't acknowledge that it exists, but because they are just too afraid of it to look it in the eye. Votes: 14

During World War II, the pilot losses were staggering. In some bombing raids, as many as 80% of the planes that left did not return. Votes: 14

Actions speak louder than words. All companies say they care, right? But few actually exercise that care. Votes: 14

To become an academic expert takes years of studying. Academic experts are experts in how and what others have done. They use case studies and observation to understand a subject. Votes: 13

One of the best paradoxes of leadership is a leader's need to be both stubborn and open-minded. A leader must insist on sticking to the vision and stay on course to the destination. But he must be open-minded during the process. Votes: 12

The challenge of the unknown future is so much more exciting than the stories of the accomplished past. Votes: 12

Spending too much time focused on others' strengths leaves us feeling weak. Focusing on our own strengths is what, in fact, makes us strong. Votes: 12

When you explain to people what you're trying to do, as opposed to just making demands or delegating tasks, you can build instant trust, even if it's just for that short time you're on the phone. Votes: 10

I don't enjoy eating humble pie; it never tastes good. But I do appreciate it when it happens. Votes: 10

There is a difference between vulnerability and telling people everything about yourself. Vulnerability is a feeling. Telling everyone about yourself is just facts and details. Votes: 10

A sour corporate culture can actually make an entire society unhappy. This means that a strong corporate culture can have a positive impact on a society. Votes: 9

Listening is active. At its most basic level, it's about focus, paying attention. Votes: 9

Some would argue that you're as successful as the company you keep. Certainly there is a connection between our friends and who we are. Votes: 9

Republicans are completely befuddled by Obama's 'star power' and don't seem to have a clear or effective strategy to compete. Votes: 8

Multi-millionaires who pay half or less than half of the percentage of tax the rest of us pay justify their actions by saying they pay what the law requires. Though true, the fact is they found ways within the law to beat the purpose of the law - which, in the case of taxes, is that we all pay our fair share. Votes: 7

To operate based on conviction and belief requires an acceptance that your actions could get you fired. This is different from pig-headed bravado, and it is different from putting the company at risk. Votes: 7

When we can communicate from the inside out, we're talking directly to the part of the brain that controls behavior, and then we allow people to rationalize it with the tangible things we say and do. This is where gut decisions come from. Votes: 7

Though we may have desires or bold goals, for whatever reason, most of us don't think we can achieve something beyond what we're qualified to achieve. Why, I ask, do we let reality interfere with our dreams? Votes: 6

A friend is an emotional bond, just like friendship is a human experience. Votes: 6

I look for the hotels that have figured out the comfortable balance - a modern room that is well designed, and really clean sheets. Votes: 6

If you hire people just because they can do a job, they'll work for your money. But if you hire people who believe what you believe, they'll work for you with blood, sweat, and tears. Votes: 3

If you can clearly articulate the dream or the goal, start. Votes: 2

There is a difference between listening and waiting for your turn to speak. Votes: 1

Any parent who tells their kids that they can't attend a school play or go to a soccer match because they have to work is kidding themselves. It's OK to miss a game or two or a performance here and there, but it's not all right to miss the majority of them. Votes: 0

Notoriously outspoken, his sentences always punctuated with profanities, General George S. Patton was the epitome of what a leader should be like - or so he thought. Patton believed a leader should look and act tough, so he cultivated his image and his personality to match his philosophy. Votes: 0

There is a difference between giving directions and giving direction. Votes: 0

Entrepreneurs must be practical experts. They needn't set out to be subject matter experts in what they do; they must set out to solve a problem or pursue some cause or purpose greater than themselves. Votes: 0

The ad industry thinks their clients are their customers. They think the companies who pay for the production are the ones they are supposed to serve. So the ads they produce make their clients happy... but infuriate the rest of us. Votes: 0

Good listeners have a huge advantage. For one, when they engage in conversation, they make people 'feel' heard. They 'feel' that someone really understands their wants, needs and desires. And for good reason; a good listener does care to understand. Votes: 0

Pilots have their names painted just beneath the canopy of their aircraft. This gives the pilot a sense of ownership for his or her jet. What's more, like cars, each aircraft has its own personality, so it's important for a pilot to get to know and love his aircraft. Votes: 0

I try to find, celebrate and teach leaders how to build platforms that will inspire others. Votes: 0

I have been inspired by Martin Luther King and how he inspired a movement. I have learned that a cause must be organic; if it is to have an impact it must belong to those who join the movement and not those who lead it. Votes: 0

It is only from the people I've had the good fortune to meet that I am learning the lessons to guide me. Baz Luhrmann, director of 'Moulin Rouge,' for example, has a childlike curiosity about the world. He doesn't pretend to know all the answers - quite the opposite, in fact. He asks loads of questions of everyone. Votes: 0

A five minute call replaces the time it takes to read and reply to the original email and read and reply to their reply... or replies. And I no longer spend 20+ minutes crafting the perfect email - no need to. Votes: 0

Over 90% of people go home at the end of the day feeling unfulfilled by their work, and I won't stop working until that statistic is reversed - until over 90% of people go home and can honestly say, 'I love what I do.' Votes: 0

In this age of omniconnectedness, words like 'network,' 'community' and even 'friends' no longer mean what they used to. Networks don't exist on LinkedIn. A community is not something that happens on a blog or on Twitter. And a friend is more than someone whose online status you check. Votes: 0

The lives we live are a bit of a straight-hair vs. curly-hair thing. We often want what we don't have. In reality, it's not about better or worse; it's just perception. Votes: 0

Pilots, to a large degree, are like salesmen. They have to be confident to be good at their jobs. They have to practice relentlessly and plan out all the scenarios of the things that could happen when they're out there. Nothing is more important than preparation. They are also mighty competitive, both as individuals and as squadrons. Votes: 0

When I was a kid, I was a bit of a space geek. I loved the space program and all things NASA. I would read books about our solar system; I had pictures of the Space Shuttle on my bedroom wall. And yes, I even went to Space Camp. Votes: 0

My sister made certain choices about the life she wanted. Those choices include a steady job, a husband and children. But balance and stability come at a cost. It is harder for her to be spontaneous. It is harder to just up and leave. Votes: 0

Wal-Mart's size and scale is so vast they literally have the ability to change the face of the entire country. If Wal-Mart were to make a decision tomorrow to refuse to sell a single product made with partially hydrogenated oils, for example, we'd probably see rates from heart disease decline a few years later. That's how powerful Wal-Mart is. Votes: 0

Academic experts may not be good at doing what they are experts in themselves, but they are good at explaining the subject matter to others. They write books, teach courses and offer lessons and give steps others can follow. Votes: 0

Most years, if you were to ask me how much I make, the genuine answer is that I have no clue. I usually find out the answer to that question once a year, at tax time, when my accountant tells me. Votes: 0

Champions are not the ones who always win races - champions are the ones who get out there and try. And try harder the next time. And even harder the next time. 'Champion' is a state of mind. They are devoted. They compete to best themselves as much if not more than they compete to best others. Champions are not just athletes. Votes: 0

There are two kinds of experts: academic experts and practical experts. One is not better than the other, but they are very different, and each offers very different value. Votes: 0

TiVo and other digital recording devices have confounded advertisers. The ad industry sees the technology as a threat to their product. Votes: 0

Corporate culture matters. How management chooses to treat its people impacts everything - for better or for worse. Votes: 0

I like stories of the classic hero, of good versus evil, the ones in which the good guys wear white and the bad guys wear black... and I love a good sword fight. Votes: 0

If you have the opportunity to do amazing things in your life, I strongly encourage you to invite someone to join you. Votes: 0

Like a good parent can't also be his child's best friend, a leader with authority requires some separation from subordinates. Votes: 0

The goal is not to do business with everybody who needs what you have. The goal is to do business with people who believe what you believe. Votes: 0

If you look at the average age of a company on the Dow Jones index, it's something like 35 years or younger. In other words... success is no indication of longevity. Votes: 0

The big picture doesn't just come from distance; it also comes from time. Votes: 0

The only time I waste is time I spend doing something that, in my gut, I know I shouldn't. If I choose to spend time playing video games or sleeping in, then it's time well spent, because I chose to do it. I did it for a reason - to relax, to decompress or to feel good, and that was what I wanted to do. Votes: 0

The U.S. Constitution protects our privacy from the prying eyes of government. It does not, however, protect us from the prying eyes of companies and corporations. Votes: 0

All the great organizations in the world, all have a sense of why that organization does what it does. Votes: 0

I couldn't understand why my productivity went down when I had deliberately made more time available to write. Then I realized it was because I wasn't flying as much. Votes: 0

We live in times of high stress. Messages that are simple, messages that are inspiring, messages that are life-affirming, are a welcome break from our real lives. Votes: 0

I know there's a difference between being successful and feeling successful. And if you ask me if I feel successful, the honest answer is 'not yet.' Votes: 0

Humility, I have learned, must never be confused with meekness. Humility is being open to the ideas of others. Votes: 0

I have friends who are majorly into the cosplay culture and have urged me to go to a convention for no other reason than to meet others like me. Votes: 0

In the military, they give medals for people who are willing to sacrifice themselves so that others may survive. In business, we give bonuses to people who sacrifice others. Votes: 0

People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it. Votes: 0

Whether individuals or organisations, we follow those who lead not because we have to, but because we want to. We follow those who lead not for them, but for ourselves. Votes: 0

Starbucks was founded around the experience and the environment of their stores. Starbucks was about a space with comfortable chairs, lots of power outlets, tables and desks at which we could work and the option to spend as much time in their stores as we wanted without any pressure to buy. The coffee was incidental. Votes: 0

It's always the organizations that are resource constrained that come up with the good ideas to win. Votes: 0

Great leaders are willing to sacrifice the numbers to save the people. Poor leaders sacrifice the people to save the numbers. Votes: 0

Offer someone the opportunity to rebuild a company or reinvent an industry as the primary incentive, and it will attract those drawn to the challenge first and the money second. Votes: 0

Leadership is not about the next election, it's about the next generation. Votes: 0

There is no decision that we can make that doesn't come with some sort of balance or sacrifice. Votes: 0

I'd rather play in the major leagues and have some bad games than play consistently good ball in the minors. Votes: 0

Anyone can sell product by dropping their prices, but it does not breed loyalty. Votes: 0

When I was in college, my school newspaper accepted an ad from a Holocaust revisionist organization. This would have been offensive on most college campuses across the country, but I went to a school with a very large Jewish population, so the ad, as you might expect, stirred absolute outrage. Votes: 0

The cost of leadership is self-interest. Votes: 0

Halloween is one of my favorite days of the year. I have a strict rule: I don't work on Halloween and I won't travel on Halloween. Not for any reason. Votes: 0

Leadership is a way of thinking, a way of acting and, most importantly, a way of communicating. Votes: 0

Believing that your competition is stronger and better than you pushes you to better yourselves. Votes: 0

The ability of a group of people to do remarkable things hinges on how well those people pull together as a team. Votes: 0

Champions are not the ones who always win races - champions are the ones who get out there and try. And try harder the next time. And even harder the next time. 'Champion' is a state of mind. They are devoted. They compete to best themselves as much if not more than they compete to best others. Champions are not just athletes." Votes: 0

Great leaders must have two things: a vision of the world that does not yet exist and the ability to communicate that vision clearly. Votes: 0

Always plan for the fact that no plan ever goes according to plan. Votes: 0

It is better to disappoint people with the truth than to appease them with a lie. Votes: 0

Sometimes we give too much too soon. Sometimes we hold back for too long. This is our beautiful dance. Our imperfect dance. This is the dance that makes us human. Votes: 0

A great leader will never sacrifice the people for the numbers. Votes: 0

We can not lead an organization, we can run an organization. We can only lead people. Votes: 0

Anyone who achieves any kind of success, however you want to define it, sometimes can't let go of it. Votes: 0

So much of starting a business or affecting change is the confidence and courage to simply try. Votes: 0

I don't consider myself an expert in the why. I don't consider myself an expert in leadership. I consider myself a student of leadership and I consider myself a student of the why. I'm constantly learning and I'm constantly looking for opportunities where it it will fail. Votes: 0

We should never let reality interfere with our dreams. Reality can't see what we can see. Votes: 0

True love exists in business. It's when Employee and Employer are amazingly grateful to have each other. We should all have true love at work. Votes: 0

The single best machine to measure trust is a human being. We haven't figured out a metric that works better than our own sort of, like, 'There's something fishy about you.' Votes: 0

The most basic human desire is to feel like you belong. Fitting in is important. Votes: 0

A why has to be for others. It's something you give to the world. It's the reason your friends love you because this is the thing that you give them and it fulfills them. This is the reason your clients love you or your fans love you because you give them something. It's something to offer, that's what the why is. Votes: 0

When we tell people to do their jobs, we get workers. When we trust people to get the job done, we get leaders. Votes: 0

The courage of leadership is giving others the chance to succeed even though you bear the responsibility for getting things done. Votes: 0

Good leadership is always human. It takes time and energy. It is hard work. Which is why good leadership is so special when we find it. Votes: 0

Good leadership is hard to measure on a daily basis which is why so many default to doing what's easy to measure instead. Votes: 0

If you want to be a great leader, remember to treat all people with respect at all times. For one, because you never know when you'll need their help. And two, because it's a sign you respect people, which all great leaders do. Votes: 0

Great leaders don't see themselves as great; they see themselves as human. Votes: 0

Poor leaders push us towards the goal. Great leaders guide us through the journey. Votes: 0

Martin Luther King gave the 'I Have a Dream' speech, not the 'I Have a Plan' speech. Votes: 0

Average companies give their people something to work on. The most innovative organizations give their people something to work toward. Votes: 0

The true value of a leader is not measured by the work they do. A leader's true value is measured by the work they inspire others to do. Votes: 0

Any great and inspiring leader or organization that ever existed set out to do something completely unrealistic. Votes: 0

Stress and anxiety at work have less to do with the work we do and more to do with weak management and leadership. Votes: 0

Life is beautiful not because of the things we see or do. Life is beautiful because of the people we meet. Votes: 0

Words may inspire, but only ACTION creates change. Most of us live our lives by accident - we live life as it happens. Fulfillment comes when we live our lives on purpose. Votes: 0

We can make up for lost money, but we can't make up for lost time. Votes: 0

Stand for people. Not a product or service or metric or number. If we stand for real, living, breathing people, we will change the world. Votes: 0

The true price of leadership is the willingness to place the needs of others above your own. Great leaders truly care about those they are privileged to lead and understand that the true cost of the leadership privilege comes at the expense of self-interest. Votes: 0

We are drawn to leaders and organizations that are good at communicating what they believe. Their ability to make us feel like we belong, to make us feel special, safe and not alone is part of what gives them the ability to inspire us. Votes: 0

Putting yourself first is not selfish. Quite the opposite. You must put your happiness and health first before you can be of help to anyone else. Votes: 0

If you care, do something. If you don't care, please stay out of the way of those who do. Votes: 0

Pure pragmatism can't imagine a bold future. Pure idealism can't get anything done. It is the delicate blend of both that drives innovation. Votes: 0

Pushing yourself to be the best is unsustainable. Simply push yourself to be better than the day before. Votes: 0

The quality of a leader cannot be judged by the answers he gives, but by the questions he asks. Votes: 0

Remaining calm in times of desperation makes way for opportunity. Votes: 0

Curiosity is essential for progress. Only when we look to worlds beyond our own can we really know if there's room for improvement. Votes: 0

If we care about the average working American, then Wal-Mart matters. A lot. Votes: 0

I think most people are inherently interested in how their brain works, in what makes them tick. Votes: 0

We can't all be good at everything. This is partly the logic behind having a team in the first place, so each role can be filled with the person best suited for that role and together, every job and every strength is covered. Votes: 0

Truly human leadership protects an organization from the internal rivalries that can shatter a culture. When we have to protect ourselves from each other, the whole organization suffers. But when trust and cooperation thrive internally, we pull together and the organization grows stronger as a result. Votes: 0

Focus on long term success but be willing to make short term adjustments to get there Votes: 0

Self confidence is the ability to exercise restraint in the face of disrespect and still show respect in response. Votes: 0

Safe is good for sidewalks and swimming pools, but life requires risk if we are to get anywhere. Votes: 0

True #leadership isn't the bastion of a few who sit at the top ... We all need to step up, take the risk and put our interests second-not always-but when it counts. Votes: 0

Stories are attempts to share our values and beliefs. Storytelling is worthwhile when it tells what we stand for. Votes: 0

Systems and processes are essential to keep the crusade going, but they should not replace the crusade. Votes: 0

Would anybody be offended if we gave a $150 million bonus to Gandhi? How about a $250 million bonus to Mother Teresa? Do we have an issue with that? None at all. Great leaders would never sacrifice the people to save the numbers. They would sooner sacrifice the numbers to save the people. Votes: 0

Fight against something and you focus on the thing you hate. Fight for something and you focus on the thing you love. Votes: 0

True strength is the courage to admit our weaknesses. Votes: 0

What good is an idea if it remains an idea? Try. Experiment. Iterate. Fail. Try again. Change the world. Votes: 0

Panic causes tunnel vision. Calm acceptance of danger allows us to more easily assess the situation and see the options. Votes: 0

A leader should not take credit when things go right if they are not willing to accept responsibility when things go wrong. Votes: 0

We don't learn much when everything goes right. We learn the most when things go wrong. Votes: 0

We can teach only if we are willing to learn. Votes: 0

Leaders volunteer to go first into danger. Their willingness to sacrifice for us is the reason we're inspired to follow. Votes: 0

The goal is not simply to 'work hard, play hard.' The goal is to make our work and our play indistinguishab le. Votes: 0

No matter when or where, always bring your 'A' game, because you never know when it will open doors for you. Votes: 0

Babe Ruth was not afraid to strike out. And it was this fearlessness that contributed to his remarkable career. Votes: 0

Though there are lessons that can be learned about becoming a great leader, most exist inherently in the bellies of those who lead. Votes: 0

Nike doesn't want to make products for everyone - they want to make products for champions. Votes: 0

Some people are born good-looking. Some have the gift of gab. And some are lucky enough to be born smarter than the rest of us. Whether we like it or not, Mother Nature does not dole these characteristics out evenly. Votes: 0

Great leaders don't need to act tough. Their confidence and humility serve to underscore their toughness. Votes: 0

Directions are instructions given to explain how. Direction is a vision offered to explain why. Votes: 0

Great leaders state out loud what they intend to do and in doing so, they get things done. Votes: 0

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. Votes: 0

You'll never see the president carry his own luggage, and why? Because even though we know he has luggage, it would reduce his stature if he was too much like us. We need to think of our leaders as being above us, even though they must still relate to us. Votes: 0

The trick to balance is to not make sacrificing important things become the norm. Votes: 0

Money is a short-term result that incentivizes short-term decision making. Votes: 0

Don't quit. Never give up trying to build the world you can see, even if others can't see it. Listen to your drum and your drum only. It's the one that makes the sweetest sound. Votes: 0

I find, when you're an optimist, life has a funny way of looking after you. Votes: 0

Leadership is absolutely about inspiring action, but it is also about guarding against mis-action. Votes: 0

No matter how many or how few people you have reporting to you, you must remember that as you climb higher in the ranks, your words will be taken as commands even if you're just thinking out loud. Votes: 0

I never imagined working with CEOs, congressmen or the military, yet I make regular visits to the Pentagon, stop by the Capitol now and then and sit down with leaders of all kinds of companies. Votes: 0

At the end of the day, humans are social animals and we are at our best when we get to do things with others who appreciate and enjoy what we enjoy. It's what keeps us human. Votes: 0

I use Apple because they're easy to understand and everybody gets it. Votes: 0

A boss wants to pay for results, an employee wants recognition for effort. If a boss recognizes effort, they will get even better results. Votes: 0

A boss who micromanages is like a coach who wants to get in the game. Leaders guide and support and then sit back to cheer from the sidelines. Votes: 0

A company and leaders of the company have the responsibility of the precious lives of all the human beings that work there. Votes: 0

A good leader shares information, even if they don't know the whole story. Without any information, people create their own, which causes fear and paranoia. Votes: 0

A good leader takes care of those in their charge. A bad leader takes charge of those in their care. Votes: 0

A group of followers has strength because of its numbers. A following has power because of its beliefs. Votes: 0

A leader is the one who speaks last and acts first. Votes: 0

A leader must be inspired by the people before a leader can inspire the people. Votes: 0

A leader without a title is better than a title without the ability to lead. Votes: 0

A leader, first and foremost, is human. Only when we have the strength to show our vulnerability can we truly lead. Votes: 0

A leader's job is not just to get the best out of their people-a leader's job is to make more leaders. Votes: 0

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. Votes: 0

A movement only exists when people are inspired to move, to do something, to make the cause their own. Votes: 0

A parent does not do everything for their kid. A parent that does everything for their kid produces a kid with no self-confidence. Votes: 0

A parent does not do everything for their kid. A parent that does everything for their kid produces a kid with no self-confidence. If our parents fixed everything for us and did not allow us to do anything on our own, or intervened every single time, we would all grow up to be completely dependent. The reason we grow up to be healthy adults is because our parents played this game of giving us responsibility, disciplining us when necessary, letting us try, letting us fail. Votes: 0

A poor leader will tell you how many people work for them. A great leader will tell you how many people they work for. Votes: 0

A small team, committed to a cause bigger than themselves, can achieve absolutely anything. Votes: 0

A star wants to see himself rise to the top. A leader wants to see those around him rise to the top. Votes: 0

A team is not a group of people that work together. A team is a group of people that trust each other. Votes: 0

A true friend is someone with whom protocol is no longer necessary. Votes: 0

Achievement happens when we pursue and attain what we want. Success comes when we are in clear pursuit of Why we want it. Votes: 0

All organizations start with WHY, but only the great ones keep their WHY clear year after year. Votes: 0

All organizations start with WHY, but only the great ones keep their WHY clear year after year. Those who forget WHY they were founded show up to the race every day to outdo someone else instead of to outdo themselves. The pursuit, for those who lose sight of WHY they are running the race, is for the medal or to beat someone else. Votes: 0

All the perks, all the benefits and advantages you may get for the rank or position you hold, they aren't meant for you. They are meant for the role you fill. And when you leave your role, which eventually you will, they will give the ceramic cup to the person who replaces you. Because you only ever deserved a Styrofoam cup. Votes: 0

All these companies that grew to any sizable proportions were all founded with a belief or a cause bigger than their products or services. It was their products or services that helped them bring that cause to life. Votes: 0

And it's those who start with why, that have the ability to inspire those around them or find others who inspire them. Votes: 0

And when a leader embraces their responsibility to care for people instead of caring for numbers, then people will follow, solve problems and see to it that that leader's vision comes to life the right way, a stable way and not the expedient way. Votes: 0

Authenticity is about imperfection. And authenticity is a very human quality. To be authentic is to be at peace with your imperfections. The great leaders are not the strongest, they are the ones who are honest about their weaknesses. The great leaders are not the smartest; they are the ones who admit how much they don't know. The great leaders can't do everything; they are the ones who look to others to help them. Great leaders don't see themselves as great; they see themselves as human. Votes: 0

Authenticity is more than speaking; Authenticity is also about doing. Every decision we make says something about who we are. Votes: 0

Authorities act with themselves in mind. Leaders act with others in mind. Authorities take. Leaders give. Authorities die. Leaders live on. Votes: 0

Bad leaders believe that they have to project control at all times. Votes: 0

Bad leaders care about who is right. Good leaders care about what is right Votes: 0

Be the leader you wish you had. Votes: 0

Because a true sense of purpose is deeply emotional, it serves as a compass to guide us to act in a way completely consistent with our values and beliefs. Purpose does not need to involve calculations or numbers. Purpose is about the quality of life. Purpose is human, not economic. Votes: 0

Before we can build the world we want to live in, we have to imagine it. Votes: 0

Being driven is not the same as being passionate. Passion is a love for the journey. Drive is a need to reach the destination. Votes: 0

Changing the world takes more than everything any one person knows, but not more than we know together. Votes: 0

Communication is not about speaking what we think. Communication is about ensuring others hear what we mean. Votes: 0

Complaining begets more complaints. Anger begets more anger. And optimism begets more optimism. Votes: 0

Confidence is believing in yourself. Arrogance is telling others you’re better than they are. Confidence inspires. Arrogance destroys. Votes: 0

Courage isn't inside; it's external. It comes from someone else telling you they believe in you. Votes: 0

Customers will never love a company until its employees love it first. Votes: 0

Disney became hated. It became one of the evil corporations. It used to be loved. They couldn't hold onto talent; they couldn't attract talent. Some of their products did badly. The Californialand project was a $5 billion waste of money. They couldn't make it work. The magic had gone, no pun intended. Votes: 0

Disney is beloved again. They can now attract the talent again and they can hold onto the talent again. People trust them again. It's all return since they went back to the why. Votes: 0

Disney is one of the best hotel companies in the world. Yet they have never and will never open a casino on the Vegas strip. Votes: 0

Don't freak yourself out by what other people have. They don't have what you've got. Votes: 0

Don't give to get. Give to inspire others to give. Votes: 0

Don't show up to prove. Show up to improve. Votes: 0

Don't wait for perfection before you start. Start somewhere so you can have something tangible you can work to perfect. Votes: 0

Dream big. Start small. But most of all, start. Votes: 0

Emails get reactions. Phone calls start conversations. Votes: 0

Employees represent an opportunity to inspire not a burden to carry. Votes: 0

Entrepreneurs see the thing they want or need, then try to figure out a process of how to get it. People who shouldn't be entrepreneurs see the standard process they need to go through to get the thing they want or need then decide if they want to go through that process. Votes: 0

Every company knows what they do Some know how they do it Very few know why Votes: 0

Every one of us has the capacity to lead Votes: 0

Every single organization - or career, for that matter - exists on three levels: WHAT you do, HOW you do it and WHY you do it. Votes: 0

Failure is not tied to money; it is a mindset. Failure is when we accept the lot we are given. Votes: 0

Focus on money and we will make money. Focus on impact and we will make an impact. Votes: 0

Focus on where you're going and you'll know what steps to take. Focus on the steps you're taking and you won't know where you're going. Votes: 0

Follow those who follow something bigger than themselves - an idea, a belief, a vision, a cause. Run away from those who say we need to follow them. Votes: 0

Followers want to be taken care of. Leaders want to take care of others. We can all be leaders. Votes: 0

Following takes why. Transactions take what. It has to be real. It has to be the same for writing a book. Votes: 0

For values or guiding principles to be truly effective they have to be verbs. It's not "integrity," it's "always do the right thing." It's not "innovation," it's "look at the problem from a different angle." Articulating our values as verbs gives us a clear idea - we have a clear idea of how to act in any situation. Votes: 0

Generosity is doing something for someone else expecting nothing in return. Votes: 0

Genius is in the idea. Impact, however, comes from action! Votes: 0

Give someone responsibility and they will do their best. Make them accountable and they will do even better. Votes: 0

Givers advance the world. Takers advance themselves and hold the world back Votes: 0

Good marketing offers us a view of the world. Bad marketing offers us a product to buy. Votes: 0

Good marketing speaks to human beings - the way human beings understand and take in information. Votes: 0

Great communicators don't just hear the words. Great communicators hear the meaning behind the words Votes: 0

Great companies don't hire skilled people and motivate them, they hire already motivated people and inspire them. People are either motivated or they are not. Unless you give motivated people something to believe in, something bigger than their job to work toward, they will motivate themselves to find a new job and you'll be stuck with whoever's left. Votes: 0

Great leaders and great organizations are good at seeing what most of us can't see. They are good at giving us things we would never think of asking for. Votes: 0

Great leaders don't blame the tools they are given. Great leaders work to sharpen them. Votes: 0

Great leaders don't try to be perfect. They try to be themselves. And that's what makes them great. Votes: 0

Great leaders give everyone something to believe in, not something to do. Votes: 0

Great leaders see money as fuel, not a destination. Votes: 0

Greatness is not born from one success. Greatness is born from persevering through the countless failed attempts that preceded. Votes: 0

Greatness starts with a clear vision of the future. Votes: 0

Happy employees ensure happy customers. And happy customers ensure happy shareholders—in that order. Votes: 0

Hearing is listening to what is said. Listening is hearing what isn't said. Votes: 0

Hire people inspired to achieve something big over people who demand something big before they feel inspired. Votes: 0

How can you help the human race progress? Votes: 0

I cannot tell you how long it takes for your exercise to work. If you haven't seen any results in a year or six months you're doing something wrong. Votes: 0

I cannot tell you on a day to day basis that there's a return on investment. I can tell you if you stick with it, absolutely in a few months things will start to change. It starts to change slowly. Things start to get a little easier. As the momentum builds it becomes bigger and bigger. Votes: 0

I can't stand those people, speakers in a room, they say this all the time, "If I can just help one person in this room, I've done my job." You have an audience of 500 people and your standard of success is one person? That's terrible. If you help one person in the room, you're an abject failure. You have to change something. Votes: 0

I don't care about convincing the people who think I'm naive or an idiot. Votes: 0

I don't care about convincing the people who think I'm naive or an idiot. I'm interested in how do I inspire the people who are open-minded that there's a different way of seeing the world. Votes: 0

I don't care about preaching to the converted. Votes: 0

I don't consider myself an expert in the why. Votes: 0

I don't have to convince everybody in the room. I just need a critical mass of the people in the room. Votes: 0

I don't hire any companies or ask any of my friends to write reviews for me on Amazon when I have a book come out so they can drive up my ratings on Amazon. I don't have a publicist. Votes: 0

I go into every meeting, into every room and for every speech understanding the standard deviation, the Bell Curve. I know there are about 10-15 percent of people in the room, who say, "I've been trying to say this for years. Finally. I agree. Yes, yes, yes." I know there are about 15 percent of the people in the room who think I'm an idiot, who think I don't know what I'm talking about, who think I'm naive or I have oversimplified everything. The majority who are open to the ideal. Votes: 0

I have to have an impact. That's what drives me to practice to make sure my words are clear and my stories are compelling. Right. Because it matters. Votes: 0

I knew what I did and I knew how I did it, but I didn't know why. Votes: 0

I know if I persist it will pay back in dividends and it always does. What starts to happen is like exercise, the pain goes away. It starts to get easier and the weight starts to get lighter and people start to notice a difference in you and you start to notice a difference in yourself. You find your ability to make decisions is easier; you find you are inspired more often. You find your success increases. You find that your random moments when you're in the flow are no longer random and you can control them. Other people notice the difference. Votes: 0

I need an army. I need people out there who are either preaching with me to different audiences that I can't get to or who are implementing the work and helping people actually learn their why or practice their why or implement their why because I don't do that. Votes: 0

I never imagined I'd be working with government, or military or politicians or big companies. None of this stuff I'm doing was on any business plan anywhere ever. Votes: 0

I never imagined I'd write a book. Votes: 0

I never set out to do the things I'm doing now. Votes: 0

I never wanted to be a public speaker. Votes: 0

I only have one why, and my challenge is to make sure the things I say and the things I do remain consistent for as often and as long as possible. Votes: 0

I put messages out there that start with why and they talk about what I believe. They go on to demonstrate and give examples. If it resonates with others, those with whom it resonates will share it with their friends and say, "This inspired me. You should watch it. You should read this." Votes: 0

I was a nobody when I met with the publisher. Nobody knew who I was. I was doing some speaking for entrepreneurs. I did little groups. I had no following. Votes: 0

I was always curious why certain marketing worked and some marketing did not. Votes: 0

I was never a writer. Votes: 0

I would never find myself or unlikely to find myself in a room where I have a skeptic who brought me in. But I very often am in a situation somebody who's there who didn't invite me was a skeptic. That happens all the time. Votes: 0

Ideas are like dreams; they will disappear unless we record them. Write a book, a blog, build a company, anything that makes the ideas real. Votes: 0

If a movement is to have an impact it must belong to those who join it, not those who lead it. Votes: 0

If everything goes right, we get a good experience. If everything goes wrong, we get a good story. Votes: 0

If I walk into a room of 500 people, my standard is, if I can't give 400 or 450 of you something, a language or a new way of seeing something, then I have failed. If I get 100 of you, I am a failure. I have to get a majority. Votes: 0

If our leaders are to enjoy the trappings of their position in the hierarchy, then we expect them to offer us protection. The problem is, for many of the overpaid leaders, we know that they took the money and perks and didn't offer protection to their people. In some cases, they even sacrificed their people to protect or boost their own interests. This is what so viscerally offends us. We only accuse them of greed and excess when we feel they have violated the very definition of what it means to be a leader. Votes: 0

If our parents fixed everything for us and did not allow us to do anything on our own, or intervened every single time, we would all grow up to be completely dependent. Votes: 0

If somebody wants to learn their why, either you help them or send them over to their course. All of this stuff helps. Votes: 0

If someone's performance is down we do not say, 'Hey pick up your things here.' We do not yell and scream at them, we say, 'Are you okay?' The idea of putting our financials goal aside for one minute to express empathy for the human being for that work and saying, 'Are you okay?' That is part of the sacrifice. Votes: 0

If we don't give things a try, nothing will get off the ground. Votes: 0

If we inspire people, they will give us more than we asked for. If we manipulate them, they will give us exactly what we paid for Votes: 0

If we were good at everything we would have no need for each other. Votes: 0

If you don't understand people, you don't understand business. Votes: 0

If you go to the gym and you come home and look into the mirror, you'll see nothing. If you go the next day and you come home, you will see nothing. In fact sometimes you're in pain. Votes: 0

If you help one person in the room, you're an abject failure. You have to change something. Votes: 0

If you sell what you do, you're a vendor. If you sell why you do it, you're a brand. Votes: 0

If you talk about what you believe, you will attract those who believe what you believe. Votes: 0

If you want to achieve anything in this world, you have to get used to the idea that not everyone will like you. Votes: 0

If you want to feel happy, do something for yourself. If you want to feel fulfilled, do something for someone else. Votes: 0

If you're going to undertake any project, like a book, you have to show up to give. Votes: 0

If you're interested in a book that will steadily grow and sell for a very long time, I promise you I will give you that. Votes: 0

If you're looking for a book that will spike in sales and then go away and then spike again when it comes out in paperback, your normal model, I definitely won't give you that. Votes: 0

If you're looking for a New York Times best-seller, I may or may not give you that. Votes: 0

If you're not remarkable, you're invisible. Votes: 0

I'm a messenger. I'm one piece of a giant jigsaw puzzle. Votes: 0

I'm building on purpose. I'm building that tipping point. I'm building that law of diffusion of innovation. Votes: 0

I'm interested in the innovator and the early adopter. Votes: 0

I'm interested in the left side of the Bell Curve. Votes: 0

I'm investing in myself, I'm investing in others and I'm investing in my cause. I know if I persist it will pay back in dividends and it always does. Votes: 0

I'm pretty confident the why works now. When it first began, somebody said to me: "Will this work in big business?" I said, "I don't know. Let's try." Somebody said will this work in entrepreneurs, relationships or government and military. I said, "I don't know. Let's try." I kept applying the scientific method. I had a theory. I kept applying that theory, looking for opportunities to fail and it kept working. Votes: 0

I'm simply following the journey. Votes: 0

I'm very clear about what I believe. Votes: 0

I'm very prescriptive about who I work with. Votes: 0

I'm very prescriptive about who I work with. I'm very clear about what I believe. If they believe what I believe I will work with them. If they say things like, "Convince me we should do this." I walk away. Votes: 0

In the 1980s America reacted to the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. We supported a war that left a nation torn to pieces. And as the last Soviet tank left the country, so did we. Votes: 0

Innovation is not born from the dream, innovation is born from the struggle Votes: 0

Inspire people to do the things that inspire them and, together, we can change our world. Votes: 0

Instead of showing up to let everyone know how great we are, show up to find out how great everyone else is. Votes: 0

Intelligence looks for what is known to solve problems. Creativity looks for what is unknown to discover possibilities. Votes: 0

It doesn't matter how much we know, it matters how clearly others can understand what we know. Votes: 0

It is a luxury to put our interests first. It is an honor to put the interests of others before our own. Votes: 0

It is like when a player has a slump, we do not trade them, we coach them. It is the same with our employees. The best leaders come to the aid of their people, whose performance is down. Not come down harder on them. Votes: 0

It is not the genius at the top giving directions that makes people great. It is great people that make the guy at the top look like a genius. Votes: 0

It's better to do it than to talk about how perfect it could be. Votes: 0

It's better to go slowly in the right direction than go speeding off in the wrong direction. Votes: 0

It's better to have a great team than a team of greats. Votes: 0

It's ok if others share our ideas as long as they build upon them. It's called progress. Votes: 0

It's the discipline to understand that the things that might make you rich or things might make you famous are sometimes worth pursuing and sometimes are not. Votes: 0

I've been dogmatic to use myself as a case study. Votes: 0

Knowledge is understanding based on what has been studied and learned. Wisdom is understanding based on what has been felt and experienced. Votes: 0

Leaders are the ones who have the courage to go first, to put themselves at personal risk to open a path for others to follow. Votes: 0

Leaders don't complain about what's not working. Leaders celebrate what is working and work to amplify it. Votes: 0

Leaders don't convince people to follow them. Leaders walk forward alone and those who want to go down their path decide to follow. Votes: 0

Leaders don't look for recognition from others, leaders look for others to recognize. Votes: 0

Leaders may inspire, but only when the people decide to act does the leader's vision become a movement. Votes: 0

Leaders, whatever the size of their organizations, are those willing to put the interests of other people before their own. Votes: 0

Leadership is a choice to protect the person to the left of us, and protect the person to the right of us, and sometimes that may come at a cost. It may cost us our benefits, it may cost us our comfort, it may sometimes cost us our perks, whatever it is, credit. Votes: 0

Leadership is a choice. It is not a rank. Votes: 0

Leadership is a choice. It's not a rank, it's a choice. I know many people who are at the top of their organization who have authority. We have to do what they say because they have authority over us. But they're not leaders. We wouldn't follow them. They may be at the top of the company but they're not leaders. Votes: 0

Leadership is about empowering others to achieve things they did not think possible. Votes: 0

Leadership is about making people feel safe. When someone feels heard, they feel safe. Votes: 0

Leadership is about pointing in the direction, articulating a vision of the world that does not yet exist. Then asking help from others to insure that vision happens. Votes: 0

Leadership is like exercise. Do it everyday, the results take time but you will see them. It's the little things. Votes: 0

Leadership is like parenting. Votes: 0

Leadership is neither a rank nor a title. It is a choice. The choice to provide care and protection for those for whom we are responsible. Votes: 0

Leadership is not a license to do less. Leadership is a responsibility to do more Votes: 0

Leadership is not a rank or a position, it is a choice - a choice to look after the person to the left of us & the person to the right of us. Votes: 0

Leadership is not a rank, it's a choice. Votes: 0

Leadership is not about being a nice person or not a nice person. Votes: 0

Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge. Votes: 0

Leadership is not achieved by an individual. Leadership is bestowed by the group. Votes: 0

Leadership is not communicating what we need. Leadership is communicating what we can contribute. Votes: 0

Leadership isn't answering the questions others ask. Leadership is asking others to answer their own questions. Votes: 0

Leading is not the same as being the leader. Being the leader means you hold the highest rank, either by earning it, good fortune or navigating internal politics. Leading, however, means that others willingly follow you—not because they have to, not because they are paid to, but because they want to. Votes: 0

Leave America and you'll find that the consumers in many other countries enjoy watching advertising. Not because the products are better, but because the ads are produced to be entertaining. Sometimes they are funny. Sometimes they are dramatic. Sometimes they are just beautiful. Votes: 0

Let us not attack those who disagree. Let us defend those who follow. Votes: 0

Life changes for the better when we realize that we don't have to know everything and we don't have to pretend we do. Votes: 0

Listening is not understanding the words of the question asked, listening is understanding why the question was asked in the first place. Votes: 0

Look down from as high as possible. Look ahead as far as you can see. Then decide what to do. Votes: 0

Make it about them, not about you. Votes: 0

Managers watch over our numbers, our time and our results. Leaders watch over us. Votes: 0

More often than not when we do not like our work, it's not necessarily because of the work itself. But more often because of the people we work with and more importantly because of the lack of leadership. It is amazing how inspired and motivated we can be when we like the people and when we feel like we show up to work because our leaders care about our wellbeing. It is kind of incredible actually. Votes: 0

Most organizations only focus on WHAT they do and HOW they do it - tactics and strategies - and they aren't even aware that this thing called the WHY exists. Focusing on only two pieces of a three piece puzzle leaves an organization, or a career, inherently out of balance. Being out of balance, only operating on two of the three pieces, shows up in different ways - increased stress, loss of passion, obsession with what your competition is doing, being forced to play the price game, trouble differentiating. These are all signs that the WHY is missing. Votes: 0

Most people ignore opportunities because they see only danger. Entrepreneurs ignore danger because they see only opportunities. Votes: 0

Most people think leadership is about being in charge. Most people think leadership is about having all the answers and being the most intelligent person or the most qualified person in the room. The irony is that it is the complete opposite. Leadership is about empowering others to achieve things they did not think possible. Leadership is about pointing in the direction, articulating a vision of the world that does not yet exist. Then asking help from others to insure that vision happens. Votes: 0

Most politicians are not authentic. Votes: 0

My challenge is to make sure the things I say and the things I do remain consistent for as often and as long as possible. My why is to inspire people to do the things that inspire them so that together we can change our world. That's why I wake up every single day. I'm agnostic to the form it takes: I teach, I write, I speak, I advise. Votes: 0

My concern is that we live in an economy in which stabbing someone and waiting for them to complain before we remove the knife has become the normal way of doing business. When did we lose sight of the fact that it's not nice to stab people in the first place? Votes: 0

My job is to preach and preach and preach. Votes: 0

My own career is a case study for what I believe in. Votes: 0

Never opt for change simply to leave something you don't like. Change works best when you go toward something, even if it is the unknown. Votes: 0

New ideas need audiences like flowers need bees. No matter how bright and colorful, they will die unless others work to spread them Votes: 0

No one knows everything. But together, we know a whole lot. Votes: 0

Nobody writes a book to get rich. It's like speaking. Votes: 0

Of course there are people out there who are helping others find their why. Some are doing a really great job and some are doing a not so great job. I love the fact there are people out there, and consultants out there doing that. Votes: 0

Offer your strengths to others and you'll be amazed how many people offer their strengths to you. Votes: 0

Only you can take responsibility for your happiness..but you can't do it alone. It's the great paradox of being human. Votes: 0

Optimism is the ability to focus on where we're going, not where we're coming from. Votes: 0

Optimists focus on the place they are going. Pessimists focus on the obstacles along the route. To become an optimist simply look ahead. Votes: 0

Organizations should say and do the things they ACTUALLY believe. Votes: 0

Our courage comes from the courage of others. Votes: 0

Our goals should serve as markers, measurements of the progress we make in pursuit of something greater than ourselves. Votes: 0

Our reputations do not come from how we talk about ourselves. Our reputations come from how others talk about us. Votes: 0

Our struggles are the short term lessons we learn to achieve long term success. Votes: 0

Our survival depends on our ability to form trusting relationships. Votes: 0

Our vision is only actionable if we share it. Without sharing, it's just a figment of our imagination. Votes: 0

Outside advice can only tell you how a decision looks. Only you can know how it feels. The best decisions look and feel right. Votes: 0

People don't buy what you do; they buy what you stand for. Votes: 0

People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe Votes: 0

People have accused me of only working with good companies. No I don't. I work with some very dysfunctional companies or unbelievably dysfunctional organizations. The people that bring me in know what they're doing won't work for the future. They know they want to change and they want to change for the right reasons. They believe what I believe and that's why they called me. Votes: 0

People who believe I'm an idiot don't hire me and they don't call. Votes: 0

People who go to work to be a part of the cause don't go home. They are home. Now - who wants to quit? Votes: 0

People will do as they are told by someone who outranks them, but they will only follow someone they believe in. Votes: 0

Profit isn't a purpose, it's a result. To have purpose means the things we do are of real value to others. Votes: 0

Progress and innovation happen when you set unrealistic goals. Votes: 0

Progress is more important than perfection. Votes: 0

Purpose does not need to involve calculations or numbers. Purpose is about the quality of life. Purpose is human, not economic. Votes: 0

Pursue the thing inside us and others will help us. Pursue the things outside us and others will compete with us. Votes: 0

Quality effective leaders have the confidence to trust others to try, succeed, and sometimes to fail. Votes: 0

Quality effective leaders have the confidence to trust others to try, succeed, and sometimes to fail. We very often confuse personality with leadership. In other words, leadership is not about being a nice person or not a nice person. Votes: 0

Reality will always prevail so why help it? Be an idealist and see what happens. Votes: 0

Remember to connect with people now and then. In fact, pick up the phone, right now, and call a friend for no other reason than to say hi. Votes: 0

Returning from work feeling inspired, safe, fulfilled and grateful is a natural human right to which we are all entitled and not a modern luxury that only a few lucky ones are able to find. Votes: 0

Risk deters those who see what they could lose. Those focused on the gain see it as a necessary part of their journey, even if the possibility of loss exists. Votes: 0

Rule books tell people what to do. Frameworks guide people how to act. Rule books insist on discipline. Frameworks allow for creativity. Votes: 0

Selfish is easy. It's sharing that takes courage. Votes: 0

Simple ideas are easier to understand. Ideas that are easier to understand are repeated. Ideas that are repeated change the world. Votes: 0

Some good leaders are rough around the edges and some leaders are difficult. Some have difficult personalities and some are really nice to be around, but those are not the qualifications. The qualifications are their desire to see us achieve more, their desire to push us to be the best we can be. Not for their selfish gain, but because they believe that we have something to offer. Votes: 0

Some in management positions operate as if they are in a tree of monkeys. They make sure that everyone at the top of the tree looking down sees only smiles. But all too often, those at the bottom looking up see only asses. Votes: 0

Some see risk as a reason not to try. Some see it as an obstacle to overcome. The risk is the same; to try or not depends on your perspective. Votes: 0

Sometimes spending time with someone who is perceived as 'successful' can make us feel less successful. Votes: 0

Start with why. And work really hard to make sure you're consistent. Votes: 0

Stories are our attempts to share our values & beliefs with the hopes that we may attract those who believe what we believe. This is the basis of forming a trusting relationship. Story telling, therefor, is only worthwhile when it tells what you stand for, not what you do. Votes: 0

Studies show that over 80 percent of Americans do not have their dream job. If more knew how to build organizations that inspire, we could live in a world in which that statistic was the reverse - a world in which over 80 percent of people loved their jobs. People who love going to work are more productive and more creative. They go home happier and have happier families. They treat their colleagues and clients and customers better. Inspired employees make for stronger companies and stronger economies. Votes: 0

Success always takes help. Failure is done alone. Votes: 0

Success comes when we wake up every day in that never-ending pursuit of why we do what we do. Votes: 0

Success is when reality catches up to your imagination. Votes: 0

Taking a job for the cash is not as important as taking a job for the joy. Votes: 0

The ability for a group of people to do remarkable things hinges on how well those people can pull together as a team. Votes: 0

The bad leaders are the ones that push hard so they can gain, who brow beat us so that they can receive the benefit of our hard work, not so we can enjoy the success Votes: 0

The best ideas are the honest ones. Ones born out of personal experience. Ones that originated to help a few but ended up helping many. Votes: 0

The concept of why is already in the vernacular. It is now a noun. "That company doesn't know their why." "They need to learn their why." "That politician needs to understand his why." We talk about it as a noun. That never existed prior to 2009. That never existed prior to 2006 when I first started articulating it. This is the most amazing thing to me. It has now become a concept. It's part of the way we think about businesses and transactions and decisions. Votes: 0

The confident ask questions to learn what will connect. The insecure just keep talking with the hope something will stick. Votes: 0

The creatives are rarely professional and the professionals are rarely creative. Votes: 0

The Democrats' response throughout the healthcare debate? Give the people more statistics. Votes: 0

The difference between those who do and those who don't is that those who don't believe it when they are told they can't. Votes: 0

The future is only scary if we try to avoid it. Votes: 0

The goal is not to be perfect by the end. The goal is to be better today. Votes: 0

The goal of business should not be to do business with anyone who simply wants what you have. It should be to focus on the people who believe what you believe. When we are selective about doing business only with those who believe in our WHY, trust emerges. Votes: 0

The goal of life is not to have our lives mean something to ourselves. The goal of life is to have our lives mean something to others. Votes: 0

The hardest part is starting. Once you get that out of the way, you'll find the rest of the journey much easier. Votes: 0

The irony is that the best thing we can do is, well one option, is to quit job we don't like. You don't always have to quit, and quite frankly, option two is to try to help others solve the problem that you are struggling with. Votes: 0

The leader's job is to lead and protect. Not have all the answers, not know everything to do, not to micromanage and tell people what to do or how to do it. A leader's job is to lead and protect. That's their job, and it's the people within the organization - their job is to get the work done. Votes: 0

The leaders who get the most out of their people are the leaders who care most about their people. Votes: 0

The mind can be convinced, but the heart must be won. Votes: 0

The more you inspire, the more people will inspire you. Votes: 0

The most important thing to do before you die is live. Votes: 0

The new is threatening to those who have mastered the old. Votes: 0

The next time someone starts listing all the reasons an idea won't work or can't happen, ask them to give 3 reasons it can. Votes: 0

The ones who show up to take, they show up and say, "Hi. My name is Steve. I'm an expert in this and I've studied this and I've worked with these clients." On every single power point presentation, it has their email, their Twitter handle and their Facebook account, so you can follow them. At the end, they tell you, "Please follow me." When you ask them a question, they say, "Well, I could tell you the answer, but you should really just read my book." Votes: 0

The only way to 'find out if it will work out' is to do it. Votes: 0

The passion to change the world for the better is a more powerful force than defense to keep it the same. Votes: 0

The people who say,"What guarantee do I have?" I walk away. I'll get you later. Votes: 0

The primary ingredient for progress is optimism. The unwavering belief that something can be better drives the human race forward. Votes: 0

The rank of office is not what makes someone a leader. Leadership is the choice to serve others with or without any formal rank. Votes: 0

The reality is that fulfillment, success and all of these good things comes from trying to help those that we care about to achieve those things. How can I help somebody I care about find the job they love? How can I help somebody I care about find happiness in their work? And when we commit to service it actually biologically and anthropologically is more likely to lead to our own success and our own happiness. Votes: 0

The reason we grow up to be healthy adults is because our parents played this game of giving us responsibility, disciplining us when necessary, letting us try, letting us fail. No matter what we know they are there to support us and see us do well. Leaders are exactly the same. Votes: 0

The responsibility of leadership is not taken, it is given. Only when others choose to follow us can we truly lead. Votes: 0

The responsibility of leadership is not to come up with all the ideas but to create an environment in which great ideas can thrive. Votes: 0

The responsibility of the company is to help the people, grow as people. If we can do that, then the company will grow as a company. Votes: 0

The true value of networking doesn't come from how many people we can meet but rather how many people we can introduce to others. Votes: 0

The value of emotions comes from sharing them, not just having them. Votes: 0

The value of experimentation is not the trying. It's the trying again after the experiment fails. Votes: 0

The value of networking is not measured by the number of people we meet but by the number of people we introduce to others. Votes: 0

The value of our lives is not determined by what we do for ourselves. The value of our lives is determined by what we do for others. Votes: 0

The value we provide most to others is the same value we appreciate most from others. Votes: 0

The worst leaders are the once that think they have to know as much or more than the people who work with them. The best leaders are the once who know that their employees know hell of a lot more than what they know and willing to admit it whilst expressing the value of their employees. Votes: 0

There are leaders and there are those who lead. Leaders hold a position of power or influence. Those who lead inspire us. Votes: 0

There are leaders, and there are those who lead. Votes: 0

There are only two ways to influence human behavior: you can manipulate it or you can inspire it. Votes: 0

There are two types of claims: those based on hard numbers and those based on slippery numbers. Votes: 0

There is a difference between offering a service and being willing to serve. They may both include giving but only one is generous. Votes: 0

There is a difference between running with all your heart with your eyes closed and running with all your heart with your eyes wide open. Votes: 0

There's nothing efficient about innovation. Votes: 0

There's only one of me. With you using the why in the center of your work helps me. Votes: 0

There's only one why. You only have one why, and your why is fully formed by the time you're 17, 18 or 19years old, maybe even earlier. The rest of your life are simply opportunities to either live in or out of balance and the career choices we make and the decisions we make in our lives either put us in balance with our why, which makes us happy, fulfilled and inspired. Or it puts us out of our why, which makes us frustrated, stressed out and sometimes we fail. Votes: 0

Those in pursuit of Why are inspired to do what is right. Those in pursuit of What are driven to do what is easy. Votes: 0

Those who fear the new are the ones who have mastered the old. Votes: 0

Those who lead inspire us Whether they are individuals or organizations, we follow those who lead not because we have to but because we want to. Votes: 0

Time and energy. Those are the most valuable sacrifices leaders can make. Votes: 0

To be authentic is to be at peace with your imperfections. Votes: 0

To spend more money, you have to have more money, but time is fixed and we all have the same amount to spare. How we choose to spend it can make a significant difference on the impact we have in our careers or in the world. Votes: 0

To succeed takes more than the desire to win. It also takes the acceptance that we could fail. Votes: 0

Too many people write books as a calling card. Votes: 0

Too many people write books because they want to be a New York Times best-seller. They want the glory and the fame. Votes: 0

True love is when both people think they have the better half of the deal. Votes: 0

Truly effective and inspiring leaders aren't actually driven to lead people; they are driven to serve them. Votes: 0

Trust doesn't develop from always doing the right thing. Trust comes from taking responsibility when we do the wrong thing. Votes: 0

Trust emerges when we have a sense that another person or organization is driven by things other than their own self-gain. Votes: 0

Trust has two dimensions: competence and integrity. We will forgive mistakes of competence. Mistakes of integrity are harder to overcome. Votes: 0

Trust is built on telling the truth, not telling people what they want to hear. Votes: 0

Trust is maintained when values and beliefs are actively managed. If companies do not actively work to keep clarity, discipline and consistency in balance, then trust starts to break down. Votes: 0

Unhealthy cultures create addiction. Healthy cultures create social bonds. Votes: 0

Usually what happens is somebody grabs me and they always pull me off to the side. Nobody ever does it publically. They say, "I didn't want to be here." Or, "I don't usually like people like you." Or, "I didn't believe the things you actually talked about would work. I'm here to tell you that you converted me." That happens a lot. Votes: 0

Value is a perception not a calculation. Value is something people feel, not something we tell them they get Votes: 0

Value is not determined by those who set the price. Value is determined by those who choose to pay it. Votes: 0

Very few people or companies can clearly articulate WHY they do WHAT they do. By WHY I mean your purpose, cause or belief - WHY does your company exist? WHY do you get out of bed every morning? And WHY should anyone care? Votes: 0

Vision is a destination - a fixed point to which we focus all effort. Strategy is a route - an adaptable path to get us where we want to go. Votes: 0

Vision is the ability to talk about the future with such clarity it is as if we are talking about the past. Votes: 0

Walt Disney had a very clear sense of why. He was about happiness. Remember when Disney was founded, it was during war. People said that life sucked. And he said, "No." He was an eternal optimist who said: "Life is beautiful. It's about giving. It's about family." Look what happened. His cause grew and people committed themselves to helping him grow the Disney why and it was hugely successful. Votes: 0

We all have the luxury of looking out for ourselves. Leaders also have the honor of looking out for others. Votes: 0

We are all so preoccupied with ourselves. How can I get happy, how can I find the job I love, how can I become a millionaire, how can lose weight. Yet, the reality is that fulfillment, success and all of these good things comes from trying to help those that we care about to achieve those things. Votes: 0

We are only in charge when we are willing to let others take charge. Votes: 0

We become leaders when we accept the responsibility to protect those in our care. Votes: 0

We call them leaders because they go first, because they take the risk before anybody else does, because they will choose to sacrifice so their people will be safe and protected, Votes: 0

We can rationalize anything and easily quit on ourselves. Leadership is refusing to quit on others. Votes: 0

We crave explanations for most everything, but innovation and progress happen when we allow ourselves to embrace uncertainty. Votes: 0

We don't do business with companies. We do business with people. Votes: 0

We have no choice, we must all die. How we live, however, is entirely of our choosing. Votes: 0

We invest in things like the future, like our children, like education. In other words, we invest in things that we understand we will not see an immediate return of investment but everybody knows it will have a positive impact and you can easily measure it over the course of time. Your why is exactly the same thing. Votes: 0

We last longer if we compete against ourselves for the good of others instead of competing against others for the good of ourselves. Votes: 0

We learn most not from all of the things that go right. We learn most when everything goes wrong. Votes: 0

We must all try to empathize before we criticize. Ask someone what's wrong before telling them they are wrong. Votes: 0

We must be clear about where we're going if we want anyone to help us get there. Votes: 0

We pursue exercise even though empirically we see no benefit from the energy we're spending and we're hurting. So empirically we should quit. The why is exactly the same thing. You persist even though there are some short-term stresses and even though there is some uncertainty. Votes: 0

We should all have an opportunity to feel a part of something not just have a part in something. Votes: 0

We should always choose to work with people we love. They are the ones who will watch our back and our future. Votes: 0

We should invest in people not ideas. A good idea is often destroyed by bad people and good people can always make a bad idea better. Votes: 0

We should never change our minds about where we are going, but always be curious about different ways to get there. Votes: 0

We think leadership is about rank and power, but better to think of leadership as the responsibility for other human beings. That leadership and rank may not go together. So it manifests in this remarkable way. Votes: 0

We think that we all have to like each other before we trust each other and that necessarily is not the case. Votes: 0

We very often confuse personality with leadership. Votes: 0

We'd achieve more if we chase the dream instead of the competition. Votes: 0

What good is it to have a belly if there's no fire in it? Wake up, drink your passion, light a match and get to work. Votes: 0

What I say is join me and be part of the army and find ways that maybe even I haven't thought of I haven't even thought of to help spread this message and inspire people to do what inspires them. That's what I need you to do. Votes: 0

What I thought I developed all of those years ago was a pattern to understand communication. Votes: 0

What I understand about this concept of why is that it functions exactly the same way as parenting or exercise or any of these things we claim to invest in. Votes: 0

What I'm doing is obeying the law of diffusion of innovations. Votes: 0

What is a company that believes in good, clean family entertainment doing making R-rated pictures. Votes: 0

What we do for others has a direct impact on how we feel about ourselves. Votes: 0

What you do is proof of what you believe. Votes: 0

What you do simply proves what you believe. Votes: 0

What's important to me is that I put messages out, whether it's a TED talk, whether it's a book. Votes: 0

When a leader makes the choice to put the safety and lives of the people inside the organization first, to sacrifice their comforts and sacrifice the tangible results, so that the people remain and feel safe and feel like they belong, remarkable things happen. Votes: 0

When a player has a slump, we do not trade them, we coach them. It is the same with our employees. Votes: 0

When I present, I cheat. I only talk about things I care about. Votes: 0

When leaders care less about their people, their people will be careless. Votes: 0

When my books came out, they started selling but they started selling at a relatively consistent but low pace. And they started to pick up the pace. Votes: 0

When or if we "quote, unquote" do not like our work, it is probably because we do not feel safe where we go to work. So when you say, what can we do?, the irony is that the best thing we can do is, well one option, is to quit. Votes: 0

When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute. Votes: 0

When someone asks for your time, and you put your phone away to talk to them... that's leadership. Votes: 0

When we accept the fact that we can't do everything, we are more willing to ask for and accept help when we do anything. Votes: 0

When we are in groups, when we are surrounded by people who believe what we believe, trust emerges and our very survival and progress goes up. Votes: 0

When we are selective about doing business only with those who believe in our WHY, trust emerges. Votes: 0

When we have a clear sense of our destination, we can be flexible in the route we take to reach it. Votes: 0

When we help ourselves, we find moments of happiness. When we help others, we find lasting fulfillment. Votes: 0

When we point to obstacles we inhibit progress. When we offer solutions we advance. Votes: 0

When you can wake up in the morning and feel successful whether some end goal is realized or not...THAT is true success. Votes: 0

When you compete against everyone else, no one wants to help you. But when you compete against yourself, everyone wants to help you. Votes: 0

When you show up to speak publically, you have to show up to give. You always know the ones who do and the ones who don't. Votes: 0

When you start with why, which decision you make becomes very easy. It is so hard to do when you may suffer a short term loss or you may lose out on some short term gain. But in the long run it's way more powerful and way more stable. Votes: 0

WHY did we start doing WHAT we're doing in the first place, and WHAT can we do to bring our cause to life considering all the technologies and market opportunities available today? Votes: 0

Words may inspire but only action creates change. Votes: 0

Work hard to seem infallible and others will work to find our flaws. Admit our shortcomings and others will work to help us be infallible. Votes: 0

Work requires effort. Things we love to do feel effortless. Only do the things you love and you'll never have to work again. Votes: 0

Work with people who believe what you believe. Votes: 0

Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress; working hard for somthing we love is called passion. Votes: 0

You [should] persist even though there are some short-term stresses and even though there is some uncertainty, because it's the right thing to do. Votes: 0

You are authentic when everything you say and everything you do you ACTUALLY believe. Votes: 0

You have to be careful what you think you know. Votes: 0

You have to have a patience for college. Votes: 0

You have to have a patience for exercise. Votes: 0

You have to have a patience for exercise. You have to have a patience for college. You have to have a patience for relationships. Once the momentum gets going it takes on a life all of its own. Votes: 0

You have to have a patience for relationships. Votes: 0

You have to write a book because you believe it has helped you, because you believe it has helped others personally and you are dying to share with it others because you know it will add value to their lives. You write it for them like a gift. You don't want anything from them. You don't want them to do anything for you. You don't even care if they all share the book with their friends, they don't all have to buy them. You're just dying to share this idea with people. Your challenge is to write it in a way that is compelling, enjoyable to read so that they will get the idea. Votes: 0

Your work is your own private megaphone to tell the world what you believe. Votes: 0