Simon Sinek and the Power of an “8-Minute Ask”: A Transformative Approach to Communication and Leadership

/ Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek and the Power of an “8-Minute Ask”: A Transformative Approach to Communication and Leadership

Time is perhaps the most undervalued currency in our digital age

Between endless meetings, swamped inboxes, and rapidly shifting priorities, our attention has become a precious resource—one we fiercely guard. So when Simon Sinek, renowned author and leadership expert, shares a deceptively simple lesson about respecting others’ time, people listen.

In a recent conversation with Nick Goldberg, CEO of EZRA Coaching, Sinek revealed a game-changing insight he learned from his friend Maria Shriver: before launching into a conversation or request, she often opens with, “Do you have 8 minutes?”

It’s not just a polite preamble. This approach represents a deeply human, deliberate, and efficient style of communication—one that bridges empathy and clarity. In today’s world, where attention is fragmented and communication often feels transactional, asking for “8 minutes” represents a small but significant act of respect.

This article delves into the deeper implications of that practice and positions it as a transformative approach to leadership, relationship-building, and everyday communication.

Let’s explore how those four words, “Do you have 8 minutes?”, can reshape how we lead, connect, and thrive.

Table of Contents

1. The Art Behind the Ask: Why “8 Minutes” Matters

We talk a lot about “respecting someone’s time,” but often fail to put that principle into practice. Maria Shriver’s “Do you have 8 minutes?” is more than a question—it’s an invitation. It asks someone to momentarily step into a shared mental space, with parameters that allow both sides to focus and be present.

Simon Sinek’s retelling of this routine underscores the gravity of brevity. Why 8 minutes? It’s long enough to allow for depth, yet short enough to remain respectful. It foregoes fluff while still inviting connection. This seemingly small act becomes an intentional foundation for efficiency, empathy, and trust.

At the heart of this ask is a mutual agreement—setting an expectation, honoring someone’s schedule, and acknowledging that their attention is valuable.

2. Respecting Time in the Age of Distraction

Our modern era is defined by information overload. Notifications are incessant, attention spans are shrinking, and the concept of “deep work” feels like a luxury. In such an environment, being clear and concise is not just courteous—it’s necessary.

Time is finite. Every ask, every meeting, every conversation comes with an implicit request: “Give me some of your life.” When framed that way, the stakes of how we communicate become clear.

The power of the “8-minute ask” lies in its awareness. It’s a conscious effort to make each interaction meaningful, instead of meandering. It’s what stops us from blind CC-ing 12 colleagues into an email “just in case” or rambling through an unfocused meeting.

Sinek’s emphasis on this practice reminds us that in a world brimming with chaos, clarity can be a profound form of respect.

3. Communication with Purpose: Clarity Meets Empathy

Effective communication is not just about saying what needs to be said. It’s about how it’s said, and more importantly, how it feels to the recipient. Language conveys more than information—it transmits emotion, intention, and respect.

The “Do you have 8 minutes?” approach strikes a balance between directness and empathy. It’s assertive without being aggressive, considerate without being apologetic. It acknowledges both parties’ needs, paving the way for intentional dialogue.

This conscious framing empowers both the speaker and the listener. It creates psychological safety—even before a conversation begins—by signaling that the person asking for time understands its importance.

4. Building Trust Through Boundaries

Boundaries aren’t just walls—they are the framework upon which trust is built. When someone respects your time enough to limit their ask to 8 minutes, they’re drawing a boundary that protects both parties from burnout, misunderstanding, or frustration.

This model of communication encourages people to prepare, to distill their thoughts, and to focus on what truly matters. It demands that we strip away the superfluous and get to the heart of the matter. And in doing so, we model a culture of accountability and trust.

Leaders who practice this don’t just become better communicators; they create environments where others feel safe to speak, to listen, and to contribute meaningfully—without fear of being overwhelmed or ignored.

5. Simon Sinek’s Leadership Philosophy and the “Why” of Words

Simon Sinek has long championed the idea of “starting with why”—that purpose is pivotal in leadership, culture, and innovation. This “8-minute” principle is a direct ideological descendant of that framework.

It begins with intention. Why are you reaching out? What do you need, and why now? If a conversation can fit within 8 minutes, it probably doesn’t warrant a meeting. If it extends beyond that, it deserves structured dialogue. Either way, clarity around the “why” is non-negotiable.

For Sinek, leadership isn’t about asserting power—it’s about listening, empowering, and guiding. And nothing embodies this better than communication that is both potent and polite. Every leader, every team member, every human benefits from learning to use time as a tool rather than a trap.

6. Maria Shriver’s Influence: Compassion Meets Communication

Maria Shriver’s background in journalism, advocacy, and public service has cultivated a deep understanding of concise yet compassionate conversation. Her “8-minute ask” isn’t a gimmick—it’s a habit rooted in her experience navigating high-stakes, high-pressure interactions with clarity and grace.

The impact of her approach lies in its humility. It doesn’t presume access or entitlement. It’s not “I need a moment,” it’s “May I? Do you have space?” This subtle shift in phrasing creates a mental contract of mutual consent.

Shriver teaches us that assertiveness need not be abrasive, and that good communication honors both urgency and understanding. Her influence on Simon Sinek—and likely countless others—is a shining example of leadership that listens.

7. Applications in the Workplace: Meetings, Mentorship, and More

Imagine if every manager began a request with “Do you have 8 minutes?” How many unnecessary meetings would dissolve? How many bloated project updates would shrink into sharp summaries?

This practice helps colleagues communicate with clarity and receive support without dominating one another’s calendars. It fosters an agile and responsive culture where time is respected and progress is prioritized.

Mentorship also benefits from this practice. Time-limited asks allow mentees to focus their questions and give mentors a schedule-friendly way to offer guidance. The “8-minute” slot can become a powerful tool for knowledge exchange without burden.

Hiring managers, executives, and project leaders can also model this method. A culture of time-awareness trickles down—when leaders respect time, it sets a standard that permeates teams.

8. Personal Relationships and the 8-Minute Principle

This approach isn’t just for boardrooms—it’s equally transformative in our personal relationships. Partners, friends, and family members can also benefit from intentional communication.

So often, we expect time from loved ones without considering their mental or emotional bandwidth. Asking someone, “Do you have 8 minutes?” creates a moment of grounding: a pause before diving into a story, vent, or question.

By leading with this question, we make space for genuine presence. The result? Conversations feel less like incursion and more like collaboration.

In a way, the 8-minute approach is the relationship equivalent of knocking before entering a room. It represents thoughtfulness—and that’s universally powerful.

9. Cultural Shifts Toward Time-Conscious Communication

As we grow increasingly aware of mental health, work-life balance, and digital burnout, society is slowly shifting toward more respectful communication norms. Walk-and-talk meetings, inbox detoxes, and asynchronous updates are all part of this evolution.

The 8-minute principle aligns seamlessly with this cultural transformation. It’s minimalist, mindful, and effective—relevant for high-performing businesses and mindful communities alike.

Adoption of this mindset could ripple outward, influencing not only how we speak but how we think. What if we all began considering the real cost of attention? What if we treated time not just as a resource, but as a relationship?

10. Final Reflections: From Polite to Powerful

At first glance, “Do you have 8 minutes?” might sound quaint. But under the surface, it’s a radical shift in how we engage with one another.

Simon Sinek’s sharing of this insight—gleaned from Maria Shriver’s wisdom—isn’t just a professional tip; it’s a lifestyle shift. It encourages mindfulness in moments that are often rushed. It promotes order in our overbooked schedules. And it reminds us that intention is the most underestimated superpower in communication.

Great leaders don’t shout louder—they speak wiser. They don’t just fill time—they use it. And in those brief exchanges, agreements are made, trust is built, and change takes root.

So, the next time you need help, advice, or connection, try it—ask someone, with sincerity and clarity: “Do you have 8 minutes?”