How Great Leaders Inspire Action - Essay Example

Aside from Apple, Inc. which was cited by Simon Sinek in his lecture entitled “How Great Leaders Inspire Action”, another organization that I had been loyal to because of the “why” in their operations is Johnson & Johnson. This particular organization was proven that they produce products and offer services that serve the best interests of people and ensure that the health and well-being of their customers are well taken care of. The products of Johnson & Johnson, ranging from the very basic consumer products such as Johnson’s Baby Powder, lotion, oil and to other consumer products such as Band-Aid, Neutrogena, Listerine, and Tylenol have proven, time and again, that they are safe to use and that they were manufactured to serve the needs and demands of consumers who are health-conscious and sensitive. As such, Johnson & Johnson’s management effectively thought of the “why” factor first which is to cater first to serving and addressing the health needs and well-being of their customers, more than others.

Thinking about the “why” factor in my own life, people can understand my “why” without actually telling them through manifesting my personal beliefs, values, and philosophies in the actions and behavior that is seen by others. For example, if I firmly believe in exhibiting just and fair treatment to others, despite the diversity in cultural, ethnic, or racial backgrounds, I should be able to show equal and just treatment to all through communicating and interacting with other people in a respectful and congenial manner at all times.

Likewise, the message that my “why” of leadership would focus on exhibiting traits and leadership style that would be an inspiration to others and would make them equally inspiring to those they meet. This would necessitate adhering to ethical, moral, and legal codes of conduct and behavior that show genuine commitment and respect to valuing the development and growth of the people I lead. In doing so, these followers would be enjoined to emulate my leadership style and assist in sharing and applying that inspiring style to others. The same message would be relayed to people who are supervising me. When they see that I could be an inspiration to my followers through the ethical, moral, and legal standards of leading others; then, hopefully, they would also be inspired to follow the same style of leading.

A simple example of a time in my life when I believe my actions were inspiring to others is by showing dedication and commitment to attaining exemplary academic achievements through studying. When I have some relevant academic examinations or projects that need to comply, I put these as priorities above other trivial matters (like going to a movie, shopping, or hanging out with friends). As I exhibited this behavior, my peers and friends are enjoined to emulate the same behavior and are inspired to do good in their academic courses, as well. After inspiring my peers and classmates to do well, I felt that it is a satisfying and rewarding moment since all of my peers started getting good grades and developing an effective studying programs. Therefore, through this experience, I learned that when I have identified the ”why” of learning, I could also inspire others to determine their respective “whys” and enjoin them to practice good academic behavior that would lead us all towards academic success.