The Transformative Power of “Do You Have 8 Minutes?”: Simon Sinek’s Lesson on Connection, Vulnerability, and Support

/ Simon Sinek
The Transformative Power of "Do You Have 8 Minutes?": Simon Sinek's Lesson on Connection, Vulnerability, and Support

In a world that often beckons us to push forward relentlessly and “go it alone,” Simon Sinek offers a beautifully simple but deeply resonant antidote: ask for 8 minutes.

In a touching conversation with EZRA Coaching CEO Nick Goldberg, Sinek shares a profound anecdote involving his friend Maria Shriver — a moment that encapsulates the importance of seeking help, being present, and offering support. It started with a gentle, powerful question: “Do you have 8 minutes?”

Table of Contents

1. The Meaning Behind “Do You Have 8 Minutes?”

Asking someone if they have 8 minutes is not just a practical question—it’s a subtle but powerful way of initiating a human connection. Unlike saying “Do you have a moment?” or “Can I talk to you later?”, specifying a short but finite amount of time does two important things: it respects the other person’s schedule, and it acknowledges that even a brief investment in connection matters.

2. The Power of Vulnerability: Why Asking for Help Matters

Despite being social beings, many of us are conditioned to associate asking for help with weakness. Whether shaped by societal norms, professional expectations, or personal fears, vulnerability is too often hidden instead of honored.

3. Simon Sinek’s Friendship with Maria Shriver

In the story he shared with Goldberg, Simon Sinek highlights a particular moment in which his friend Maria Shriver responded to this 8-minute question in a way that profoundly moved him. Their friendship illustrates a deep mutual respect and emotional intelligence.

4. Rewriting the Narrative: Time as a Gift, Not a Transaction

When we ask someone for their time, there’s often an unspoken question of whether we’re “worth it.” Sinek flips the script, emphasizing that giving someone 8 minutes of undistracted, intentional presence is transformational.

5. Listening as Leadership: The Role of Presence

Simon Sinek has long taught that at the heart of real leadership is empathy. Listening without distractions shows trust and fosters openness, communicating: “You are not alone.”

6. How to Create a Culture of Asking and Giving

To truly embrace the spirit of “Do you have 8 minutes?”, we must embed it into our cultural values. This begins with normalizing the act of asking for help and practicing offering our time preemptively.

7. When 8 Minutes Changes a Life: Everyday Scenarios

Consider everyday scenarios where offering 8 minutes of your time can make a significant impact on someone’s life, fostering a culture of mutual care and support.

8. The Ripple Effect: Mutual Growth Through Support

Acts of compassion and connection have a ripple effect, enriching both the giver and the receiver. The multiplier effect of time given freely compounds in relationships, workplaces, and communities.

9. Applying It to Teams, Families, and Communities

Imagine the transformative power of offering 8 minutes of undivided attention in workplaces, families, and communities, nurturing empathy and genuine connection.

10. Final Thoughts: The Simplicity of Profound Acts

Simon Sinek’s anecdote about Maria Shriver is a manifesto for a kinder, more connected world. “Do you have 8 minutes?” is an invitation to invest in each other, to pause for compassion, and to recognize the value in just being there.

In those 480 seconds, we may not solve everything, but we offer something just as vital: presence.

So the next time you’re unsure how to help a friend, lead a team, or reconnect with your own heart—ask the question. And be ready to answer it, too. Because 8 minutes can change everything.