"Take Yourself On": The Leadership Lesson Every New Hire Needs

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Simon Sinek, a renowned author and motivational speaker, is celebrated for his groundbreaking ideas on leadership and organizational culture. Best known for his concept of “Start with Why,” Sinek emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven leadership. And when it comes to onboarding new hires, he shares two simple but powerful principles that capture his philosophy on work and life.

Sinek personally calls every new employee of his company and tells them two things. First, “Welcome. You’re now part of something bigger than yourself. Our little company influences millions of people around the world, and your work will impact many.”

Second, he tells them he expects they will “take yourself on.”

That principle—“take yourself on”—reflects Sinek’s belief that personal growth and self-improvement have to start from within. He believes every employee should have a hunger to make self-improvement a top priority every single day. His challenge to new hires is simple: focus on becoming a better version of yourself every day, and let that personal growth fuel your professional journey. It’s about continuous learning, self-awareness, and committing to personal excellence.

The first step in aligning personal and professional growth is realizing the importance of your role in something bigger. As Sinek reminds his new hires, being part of an organization means you have the chance to contribute to something beyond yourself. That perspective creates purpose and a sense of belonging—and it motivates you to perform not just for personal success, but to make a real difference. And the truth is, “taking yourself on” isn’t a selfish journey. It’s how you strengthen the entire team.

Take time to reflect on how your work connects to the organization’s mission and values. Ask yourself:

• How does my role contribute to the company’s bigger goals?

• What unique skills and strengths do I bring to the team?

• How can my personal growth help make a bigger impact here?

Answering these questions helps you see how personal excellence and collective success go hand in hand.

Sinek’s philosophy is a reminder that personal development isn’t separate from the work you do—it’s directly tied to it. Yes, work on yourself. But also pay attention to how your growth improves the people and culture around you. Collaboration, empathy, and inspiring others are just as important as individual achievement.

At the end of the day, alignment happens when your personal passions and professional goals connect. Find ways to bring your interests and values into the work you do. For example:

• If you’re passionate about creativity, look for ways to innovate in your role.

• If you value mentorship, be the person who guides and supports your colleagues.

• If sustainability matters to you, champion eco-friendly practices at work.

Aligning personal growth with your professional journey is an ongoing process. It takes intentionality, self-awareness, and a daily commitment to getting better. And as Sinek says, take yourself on—make self-improvement a priority and embrace the journey of becoming your best self. When you do, you’ll elevate not just your career—but the lives of the people around you.

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