“Great companies don’t hire skilled people and motivate them, they hire already motivated people and inspire them.” – Simon Sinek, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
Simon Sinek’s quote—“Great companies don’t hire skilled people and motivate them, they hire already motivated people and inspire them”—originates from his landmark book, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action (2009). Sinek’s work centers on the idea that the most successful organizations and leaders are those who can cultivate a sense of genuine purpose within their teams.
The quote reflects Sinek’s core philosophy: people are not simply motivated by external incentives or manipulation, but by a deeper, intrinsic drive—what he calls their “Why”. In his book, Sinek contrasts two ways of leading and influencing behavior. The first relies on manipulation—bonuses, fear, or incentives—to get people to act. The second, and far more effective, centers on inspiration: connecting with people’s values and purpose. Sinek argues that leaders and organizations should seek out individuals who are already motivated by something bigger than themselves, and then nurture and inspire that motivation towards a shared mission.
This approach is illustrated in Start with Why through stories like the Wright Brothers’ successful quest for flight, achieved through relentless passion and vision, in contrast to better-funded and credentialed rivals working for fame or reward. Sinek’s “Golden Circle” model encapsulates this leadership style: starting with “Why” (purpose), then moving to “How” (process), and finally “What” (results). For Sinek, the “Why” must always come first and be at the heart of an organization’s culture. As a result, companies that attract and inspire people who are already purpose-driven enjoy stability, loyalty, and sustained high performance.
About Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek is a British-American author, motivational speaker, and organizational consultant known globally for his insights on leadership and inspiration. He first gained widespread recognition with his 2009 TED Talk, “How Great Leaders Inspire Action,” one of the most-viewed TED Talks of all time. This talk laid the foundation for Start with Why, which has since become a bestseller and a staple in business and leadership circles.
Sinek’s philosophy emphasizes that leadership is less about formal authority and more about serving a collective vision that resonates on a human level. He has gone on to author several other influential books, including Leaders Eat Last and The Infinite Game, each exploring how trust, inspiration, and a clear sense of purpose make organizations and individuals thrive.
Sinek’s work is a call to action for leaders to move beyond simply managing or motivating teams. Instead, he urges them to understand and communicate their “Why,” to inspire those who already possess the passion to contribute—and, in doing so, to achieve lasting impact and success.
