1. A BOOK REVIEW on
LEADERSHIP
Gracious Sarasak
University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement of
N5343 Leadership in Complex Healthcare Systems
Jeanette Crenshaw, DNP, MSN, RN, LCCE, IBCLC, NEA-BC
March 28, 2012

2. Start with WHY: How Great
Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take
Action
By:
Simon Sinek

3. Qualifications
Trained ethnographer
Teaches graduate level strategic communications at
Columbia University
Adjunct staff member of the RAND Corporation- one of
the most highly regarded institution in the world that
uses research and analysis to help improve policy and
decision making.
Motivational speaker

4. PURPOSE OF THE BOOK
To inspire us and teach us how to inspire
others.
To teach us the importance of
communication, trust, and relationships.
To guide us how to lead.
To guide us how to be effective and
successful leaders.

5. TARGET AUDIENCE
Staff
Leaders
Managers
Business owners – small or large
Organizations – small or large

6. STRENGTHS OF THE BOOK
The Golden circle – concept. A different perspective to existing
assumptions. Finds order and predictability in human behavior.
 Why - purpose, cause, or belief.
 How - actions to take to realize the purpose, cause, or belief
 What - results of the actions or tangible proof of the purpose, cause, or
belief. Where authenticity occurs. Authenticity is required for long term
success.
Message – balance the why, how, and what
 Clarity of purpose sets expectations, breeds loyalty (WHY)
 Discipline of how to do things, guiding principles, standards, and processes.
Gives clarity on how to act in any situation and be accountable. (HOW)
 Consistency in the things that you do and say and what you say or do.
(WHAT)
Concrete examples - Dr. King, Wright brothers, Apple, Southwest Airlines
(Sinek, 2009)

7. LIMITATIONS OF THE BOOK
Always uses Apple as an example in every
chapter. A cynic would think that the author has
some agreement with Apple or the book is just
another propaganda to perpetuate the use of
Apple products.

8. OBJECTIVES MET?
Yes. I believe that the objectives were met. It taught me to
understand and find the importance of knowing my belief
or purpose (WHY), my guiding principles and values
(HOW), and being consistent in what I say and do
(WHAT).
Dr. M. L. King knows his beliefs and was able to share it
to others with his speech. He has a dream…. and he
believes…He did not tell us about his plan but his vision
inspired people and a movement to bring about change in
America because people believed what he believed and
wants the same thing he does…. fairness and equality..

9. RECOMMENDATION?
Yes. I recommend the book to all those who needs to find
their inspiration or purpose in the things that they are
doing and to those who wants to be good leaders that
inspire people to be the best they can be. To entrepreneurs
who want to succeed in business and does not know
why, how, or what to do.

10. REFERENCES
Sinek, S. (2009). Start with why: How great leaders inspire
everyone to take action. New York, NY: Penguin Group
RAND Corporation website. Retrieved from:
http://www.rand.org/about.html