Simon Sinek’s TED presentation, is a must see for any leader and anyone trying to grow through innovation. The presentation, part of the promotion for his book Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action,” is quite simply an explanation of why some companies inspire followers rather than just satisfy customers.

Sinek presents something he calls the golden circle – why at the center, followed by how in the second ring and what in the outer ring. While most companies communicate from the outside in, it’s much more powerful to start with why. Companies like Apple, leaders like MLK, or even inventors like the Wright brothers, all started with a powerful purpose first.

By starting with why, they were each able to create a passionate following of like-minded people. Microsoft is buttoned down and business-like, but Apple is all about being different. While lot’s of people use Microsoft products, few are passionate about them. Few people wait in line to be the first to own the latest Windows computer – quite the opposite for Apple. Of course, the growth rates and share prices show the impact that passion has had.

Enjoy the video and let me know what you think.

This article appears by permission of the author and was originally published on his Simplifying Innovation blog.

Dalton on Innovation

Mike Dalton is the author of Simplifying Innovation: Doubling speed to market and new product profits – with your existing resources