473: Embrace a Just Cause, with Simon Sinek

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)

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