Simon Sinek says: 20 of the unshakable optimist’s most inspiring leadership quotes

Motivational speaker, ethnologist, bestselling author and "unshakable optimist" Simon Sinek’s dynamic thoughts on leadership have improved the fortunes of some of the biggest organisations and governments around the world. In preparation for his global masterclass next month, here is our pick of Simon’s most inspiring affirmations.

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"People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it."
"You don’t hire for skills; you hire for attitude. You can always teach skills."
"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him."
"When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute."
"Bad leaders care about who’s right. Good leaders care about what’s right."
"We achieve more when we chase the dream instead of the competition."
"Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about looking after those in our charge."
"A star wants to see himself rise to the top. A leader wants to see those around him rise to the top."
"Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion."
"It is better to disappoint people with the truth than to appease them with a lie."
"If no-one ever broke the rules, then we’d never advance."
"One of the greatest things you can do is give your time and energy – things you will never get back."
"The primary ingredient for progress is optimism. The unwavering belief that something can be better drives the human race forward."
"Emails get reactions. Phone calls start conversations."
"Under poor leaders we feel like we work for the company. With good leaders we feel like we work for each other."
"Be the leader you wish you had."
"Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first."
"If you care, do something. If you don’t care, please stay out of the way of those who do."
"A boss has the title. A leader has the people."
"The more people you inspire the more people will inspire you."