Speaker inspires USAFE Airmen by simply asking 'why?'

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alexandria Mosness
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Simon Sinek, a motivational speaker, visited Ramstein Air Base during a trip stopping U.S. Air Force in Europe bases Jan. 5 to 16.

Ramstein was the first stop for Mr. Sinek, made famous for developing "The Golden Circle," a concept that teaches leaders and companies how to inspire people to buy or support any product, company or idea. 

He's spoken with leaders from Pentagon, to the United Nations, to Hollywood, throughout the United States and around the world. And when the opportunity arose to come speak to military members in Europe?

"I have a rule," he said. "Whenever the military calls on me, I will always answer."

Though this is not the first military installation he's spoken at, his relationship with the Air Force began only a few years ago.

"I was talking to a coworker of mine, and she told me she had a meeting with the Air Force," Mr. Sinek said. 'Automatically, all I could think of was the jets I wanted to fly when I was a kid, and asked her if I could go with her. That moment three years ago started my interaction with the Air Force and my intense respect for all servicemembers."

While speaking to world leaders, top business CEOs and big-time politicians may seem quite exciting, according to Mr. Sinek, getting to speak to military members is what he considers one of those special occasions.

"With great certainty, the people in the Air Force are the smartest and most open-minded people I have come across," he said. "The Air Force is always thinking about the future."

And through his visit, he hopes to enhance the Air Force future in Europe by focusing on the concept "Why?"

"Why do we do what we do? ... People will generally say how and what they do, but can't put into words the why," he said.

Although it might seem like a simple answer, Mr. Sinek says it's often overlooked and emphasized as much as it should be.

"Many people don't think about it, and while it seems obviously simple, once you understand the why, you will be able to understand people more clearly," he said.

In addition to focusing more on the "Why?," Mr. Sinek also hopes Airmen will take away something else from his visit.

"I want to remind you all of why you do what you do," he added. "When you first enlisted in the Air Force, you got goose bumps. I want to be able to bring that feeling back. Sometimes it gets forgotten when you are stuck in your day-to-day tasks. I want to give the feeling of inspiration."

And, he wants to remind Airmen that every little piece matters.

Even the smallest wheel of the machine is needed because without it, the whole machine will stop functioning.

"What the Air Force is doing is impressive, every person and the job they do creates the whole, "he added.

And for those at Ramstein, his message certainly made a lasting impression.

"What fascinated me the most about Simon Sinek was the fact he had no military background, but everything he said fit exactly into the military theory," said Chief Master Sgt. Keith Brown, 86th Maintenance Group superintendent. "We had mass commander's calls before hearing Mr. Sinek, and our people told us if they knew why they were doing what they were doing, they would have no problem with it. When I heard Mr. Sinek speak and preach the 'Why?', it affirmed everything we had just gone through."

Not only did Chief Brown learn more about the power of "Why?," but he also took away a great respect for Mr. Sinek.

"I would definitely recommend him to everyone," Chief Butler said. "It was a very interesting discussion."

Following his visit to Ramstein, Mr. Sinek will speak at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany and Aviano Air Base, Italy.

Those interested in hearing Mr. Sinek's message and unable to attend any of his scheduled speaking engagements can look for any of this three published books, or check out some of his speaking clips at http://www.startwithwhy.com/What/WhyU/LearnfromSimon.aspx.