Better Thinking

Golden Circle Rule

The Golden Circle, proposed by Simon Sinek, starts with "Why" before moving to "How" and "What," helping individuals and organizations clarify purpose, inspire action, and strengthen influence.

Categories
Thinking ModelsStrategic Analysis
Target Users
Business managersEntrepreneursProduct ManagerMarketers
Applicable
Business strategybrandingcareer planningProduction innovation
#Simon Sinek #Branding #Leadership #Business Thinking

🏆 What is the Golden Circle Rule?

The Golden Circle Rule, proposed by Simon Sinek, is a powerful thinking model.

It uses a Why → How → What framework to emphasize that great leaders and organizations start with “Why” instead of focusing only on “What.”

  • Professional explanation:
    • Why: Core purpose, vision, mission.
    • How: The unique methods or principles to achieve it.
    • What: The tangible products, services, or actions.
  • Simple example:

    For a coffee shop:

    • Why: To bring warmth and connection to people through coffee.
    • How: Carefully selected beans, hand-brewing techniques, cozy spaces.
    • What: Selling coffee, desserts, and merchandise.

📖 Origin & Key Figures

  • Background: Introduced in Simon Sinek’s 2009 TED Talk “How Great Leaders Inspire Action”.
  • Founder: Simon Sinek, leadership expert and author.
  • Representative users: Apple, Tesla, Starbucks.
  • Classic case: Apple’s Why is “to challenge the status quo and think differently”;How: elegant design and user-centric innovation;What: iPhone, Mac, iPad. This approach turned Apple into a cultural icon, not just a tech company.

🛠 How to Use the Golden Circle

  1. Identify Your Why
    • Ask: Why do we exist? What is our mission?
    • Avoid vague or profit-only answers. Look for meaningful purpose.
  2. Define the How
    • Outline your unique strengths and methods.
    • Ensure alignment with your Why.
  3. Clarify the What
    • Translate purpose and method into real actions, products, or services.
    • Make sure your What echoes your Why.

📚 Case Studies

  • Case 1 (Business: Apple)
    • Why: Challenge the status quo
    • How: Design excellence and innovation
    • What: iPhone, Mac, iPadInsight: A strong Why creates culture and influence.
  • Case 2 (Personal career)
    • Why: Helping others improve critical thinking
    • How: Writing, teaching, sharing
    • What: Books, workshops, coursesInsight: Individuals with a clear Why sustain long-term motivation.

👍 Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • Clarifies mission and purpose
  • Strengthens brand and leadership influence
  • Inspires long-term motivation

Limitations

  • Abstract Whys may be hard to implement
  • Needs to be combined with execution frameworks (e.g., OKR, SWOT)

❓ FAQs

  1. Does my Why need to be big and grand?
    • Not necessarily. A simple and genuine vision works better than empty slogans.
  2. What if I can’t find my Why?
    • Reflect on your most meaningful experiences or achievements to uncover it.

🌍 Applications

  • Work: Strategy, branding, team building
  • Learning: Career planning, self-motivation
  • Life: Finding meaning, personal growth

📖 Recommended Resources

Books

  • Start with Why — Simon Sinek
  • Leaders Eat Last — Simon Sinek

Other

🎯 Key Insight

In one sentence:

“Golden Circle: Start with Why before How and What.”