I’ve been thinking lately about how to motivate people and inspire them to step up, to take action, to do great things. I see so much opportunity for people, and yet so little motivation to make a difference.

So what is the root cause of the lack of inspirational leadership? Too many people are afraid to take a risk, to step outside of their comfort zone, to do anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. The focus on what they can do within their comfort zone, not on why they do it and why they can make a difference.

Simon Sinek describes this beautifully in a famous TED talk: “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” The goal is to do business with people who believe what you believe, to sell to people who believe what you believe.

There are leaders, and then there are those who lead. Those who lead inspire us. We follow those who lead not for them, but for ourselves.

How can you inspire others to do great things? Know your ‘why’ and live it consistently.

Please share your ‘why’ and the inspiring stories it has created.

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The Product Management Perspective: One of the key aspects of the role of product manager is to inspire those with whom you work. Your success depends on their efforts and their ability to do their jobs effectively. If you don’t already know it, you need to gain a thorough understanding of your ‘why’ and then work hard to make sure everyone else knows it—not because you tell them, but because they see it in your actions.