“Leadership requires two things: a vision of the world that does not yet exist and the ability to communicate it.” – Simon Sinek, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
Simon Sinek’s quote—“Leadership requires two things: a vision of the world that does not yet exist and the ability to communicate it”—is deeply rooted in his philosophy of leadership as presented in his bestselling book, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action. The context of this quote revolves around Sinek’s fundamental belief that effective leadership goes far beyond holding authority or managing tasks. Instead, leadership is about envisioning a future that does not yet exist and, crucially, being able to articulate that vision so it inspires others to join in its creation.
This idea underpins Sinek’s “Golden Circle” model, introduced in both his book and his widely viewed TED Talk. The model centers on the concept of starting with “Why”—the core belief or purpose that drives an individual or organization—before progressing to “How” they do things and “What” they do. Sinek argues that it is this clarity of vision—the “Why”—and the leader’s skill in communicating it authentically, that transforms followers into believers and teams into movements.
Sinek’s insight is a response to the misconception that leadership is about having all the answers or being the most qualified person in the room. He contends that real leadership is the opposite: it’s about empowering others, setting a clear direction, and painting a compelling picture of a future that does not yet exist. When leaders are able to communicate this vision effectively, they can galvanize people to achieve extraordinary things—often beyond what they thought possible.
About Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek is a British-American author, motivational speaker, and organizational consultant, renowned for his pioneering ideas on leadership, vision, and purpose. Born on October 9, 1973, Sinek gained global recognition following his 2009 TED Talk, “How Great Leaders Inspire Action,” which remains among the most-watched TED Talks ever.
His approach to leadership is characterized by a strong emphasis on purpose and selfless service, advocating that great leaders “eat last”—putting the needs of their teams before their own. Sinek’s work extends through several influential books, including Leaders Eat Last and The Infinite Game. Across his writing and speaking, he encourages leaders to focus on creating environments of trust, inspiration, and shared purpose, which yield loyal teams and lasting impact.
Sinek’s influence is seen in organizations worldwide, from Fortune 500 companies to non-profits, where his ideas about the power of “Why” and vision-driven leadership continue to shape leadership development and organizational culture
