Who is Simon Sinek, and why should we care?

I have a slight obsession with YouTube and one day, I happened to click on one of his videos and found a voice of similarity and instantly connected with his very simple and shared philosophy.

There have been so many “motivational speakers,” that come and go….and a small few that have been around for decades. They all share one common direction, “it all starts with believing in yourself first.”

Personally, I have had my fill of this type of genre. So, I was even shocked at myself for clicking on his video. But, as the divine universe guided, fate took over and I found his message unique, and dare I say, a bit unconventional. Maybe that is why I connected with him, preferring the road less traveled.

Yes, of course, the underlying message is still there. But it’s also his propensity towards shining a light on what others think, but do not always do. Sharing his vulnerability that he’s not the smartest one in the room and needs to have things explained a little more thoroughly, is rather refreshing. Versus those who seem to have all of the answers, and prefer to take a stance in not asking questions in fear of appearing “unaware.”

We, all know those who are “C- Suites” driven. Top performers, the center of attention, those who like to remind others of their limitations, and correct their grammar (douchiest move ever). Assholes come in all shapes, sizes, along with abilities to cloak themselves. Simon goes on to explain, that these people are not always the best choices for team leaders. Corporate hiring can be extremely toxic. They tend to lean towards toxic people to fill a position because they appear to be the shiniest person in the process. That ego usually is overcompensating for something else. Instead, Simon advocates for the medium performer because these people are the ones who will try harder, and trust deeper. Loyalty, over subterfuge.

He shares several stories that he kind of recycles throughout his videos. One is about the Navy Seals, and how others may think they recruit the baddest, meanest; or the best of a specific class. But, actually they seek the opposite. They select those, who are not the top performers, but those with a medium performance rate or intelligence factor, and can bring a high trust factor.

Simon is shining a light on the unseen, those who know how to “dig deep,” who haven’t had the easiest path in life. Those who weren’t tested to the core of their being, who are emotionally exhausted and know how to dig deep. These are those who recognize that they are human beings of resilience and can see that in others. I say yes, I too walk in this lane and say BRAVO. I see a kindred spirit in him.

This philosophy is exactly why I named this digital journal, Read the Fucking Room, because most will comply in fear, then point out the obvious. They too might not agree with the general consciousness but are willing to go along with what the majority wants.

Another story is the one with bagels, where he specifically wants a “free” bagel, but his friend doesn’t want to wait in line. Simon repeatedly tried to convince his friend, but his friend stood firm that the line was too long. So Simon and his friend made their way towards the bagel table, and as they both stood there and talked, Simon reached over the rope and grabbed himself a bagel or two.

Now, most would probably scoff, or point out his audacity. How is that fair? Well, that’s just it, life isn’t fair. This is not just about respecting others while they wait for their turn. It’s about remembering that, you can break the rules, you just can’t get in the way of someone else, and what they want.

When he reached over to grab a bagel, he couldn’t choose the one he wanted, like those who waited in line. He had to settle for what he got!

BRAVO, fucking bravo!

xx gail