I recently watched an interesting Ted Talk by Simon Sinek called How Great Leaders Inspire Action. The talk focused on such diverse leaders as the Apple computer company, Martin Luther King Jr., and aviation pioneers the Wright Brothers.
In the talk, Sinek said all great inspiring leaders–from business to social justice–think and act the same way. That is, the opposite to everyone else.
Sinek described what he calls The Golden Circle: Why, How, and what.
We all know what we do. Some people know how they do it, and very few people or organizations know why they do something.
Why is the purpose, cause or beliefs that we have. It’s the reason we get up in the morning and do what we do. Most people work from the outside in. But the inspired leaders work from the inside–from the why.
Working from the inside out also means we work using feelings and emotions first rather than analytical thinking.
As I listened, I couldn’t help think of the parallels between being a great leader and being a vegan. If you act based on what your soul tells you, you’re probably working from the inside out. If the stories of factory farmed animals tug at your heartstrings more than stats about the number of animals who suffer, you’re operating from the why.
Like leaders, vegans pursue something we believe in. And by doing so we can help others buy into the why and believe what we believe.
Sinek spoke about the Law of Diffusion of Innovation. A new term, perhaps, but you’ll recognize the concept.
2.5% of people are innovators; 13.5% are early adopters; 34% are the early majority; 34% are the late majority; 16% are laggards.
If you want mass market success or acceptance of an idea, you can’t reach it until you reach the tipping point–between 15% and 18% market penetration. The early majority won’t try something until someone else has tried it first.
If you’re a vegan, you’re an innovator. You go against the grain and are comfortable making gut decisions and you’re driven by what you believe about the world.
Numbers vary, but about 2.5% of Americans are vegan (innovators). In our daily lives, we reach many people with our message–whether it’s overt leafleting and tabling or subtler ways of leading by example.
The vegan population is growing. What’s exciting to me is that as soon as the early adopters are on board and we reach the tipping point, the early majority will join in as well. From that point, veganism will snowball. This model applies to business models as well as social justice movements like civil rights.
People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it. What vegans do is the proof of why we believe. And if others learn about veganism and believe being vegan is the best way to stop cruelty, feed the world, stay healthy, and save the environment, they’ll be vegan too. But they won’t do it because you are vegan. They’ll do it because they believe it’s right. They’ll do it for themselves.
You don’t need to be a leader to lead. You don’t need to hold a position of authority to inspire others. Others will follow those who lead because they want to, not because they have to. Those who start with why will inspire others and find others who inspire them.
The talk wasn’t about veganism but it’s a perfect fit. To listen to the presentation (it’s a quick 18 minutes), check out the Ted Talk link.
Sunshine and Slaughter 
Awesome!
Thanks Stacey! The talk resonated with me and it wasn’t a stretch to apply the concept to veganism.
Do you mind if I blog this again on Friday, throughout the weekend? I would absolutely put the source in and Jean of all Trades with the associated links. Would that be okay? Thanks.
Absolutely! Please do (and thanks for asking). None of the concepts are mine. But Simon Sinek’s presentation applies to veganism, just like it applies to civil rights, the technology of flight, or the latest iPhone craze!
Thank you for sharing! I don’t need credit. I just want people to listen and change–the animals depend on it!
Wonderful, thank you so much (and I will include your blog as the source and you as the writer – it’s important to support those who make such a difference – thanks for all you do!).
I appreciate it!
Love this post! It makes so much sense! I love thinking of myself as an “innovator”. Although no one else in my immediate social circle is vegan, I meet vegans more and more. I feel a shift coming, don’t you? Soon vegans will be the majority and the consumption of animal products will be a sad part of our history. But, it will be history and no more! 🙂
Thank you! I never used to appreciate marketing but I really do see the benefits of a positive “sell.” We owe the animals at least that (to make veganism desirable). I can’t be an angry vegan and turn people away. It doesn’t work (even though the injustices anger me).
You are an innovator. Ahead of the curve. And just like people who line up for the latest iPhone are proud to be the first with their new gadget, we need to own our veganism and savor it so others want it too. The shift is coming. It’s long overdue, but it will speed up and we can say “remember when…”
The future is vegan!
What a great post! I just followed you to stay updated on your future posts and I look forward to them. I recently started my own vegan/political blog, so feel free to check it out and let me know what you think!
http://MannyRutinel.com
Have a great day! 😀
Thank you! Glad you found my blog. I’m off to check yours out now. It’s always great to meet other vegans!
Thank you so much! I look forward to future interactions with you. Feel free to follow me on any social media site and I’ll gladly follow you right back! 🙂
Likewise! Hope to keep in touch. I’m following you on twitter now too.
Pingback: Inspiring action | Our Compass
Thank you so much! If you want me to change or add anything, just let me know: http://our-compass.org/2014/07/11/inspiring-action/
Looks great, Stacey. Thanks for getting the word out 🙂
Great post Jean! The Ted talk is well worth 18 minutes of our time. I love how you’ve applied his ideas to a plant-based lifestyle. It makes sense. I love this statement, “But they won’t do it because you are vegan. They’ll do it because they believe it’s right. They’ll do it for themselves.” So true!
I actually found your written article easier to follow, although Simon is an intelligent man, who presents his talk very well.
Thanks for promoting a healthy, compassionate lifestyle that does our planet good!! ❤
Thank you! I’m glad you liked the post and see the parallels!
The laggards will be those who can’t eat meat anymore because there are no more factory farms.
Exactly! There will always be people who never get on board. Let’s just hope one day they have no choice. No more tube TVs, no more 8-track cassettes, no more slaughterhouses!