Leaders Eat Last - Simon Sinek

Leaders Eat Last

By Simon Sinek

  • Release Date: 2014-01-07
  • Genre: Management & Leadership
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 198 Ratings

Description

The New York Times bestseller by the acclaimed, bestselling author of Start With Why and Together is Better. Now with an expanded chapter and appendix on leading millennials, based on Simon Sinek's viral video "Millenials in the workplace" (150+ million views).

Imagine a world where almost everyone wakes up inspired to go to work, feels trusted and valued during the day, then returns home feeling fulfilled. This is not a crazy, idealized notion. Today, in many successful organizations, great leaders create environments in which people naturally work together to do remarkable things. 

In his work with organizations around the world, Simon Sinek noticed that some teams trust each other so deeply that they would literally put their lives on the line for each other. Other teams, no matter what incentives are offered, are doomed to infighting, fragmentation and failure. Why?

The answer became clear during a conversation with a Marine Corps general. "Officers eat last," he said. Sinek watched as the most junior Marines ate first while the most senior Marines took their place at the back of the line. What's symbolic in the chow hall is deadly serious on the battlefield: Great leaders sacrifice their own comfort--even their own survival--for the good of those in their care.
     
Too many workplaces are driven by cynicism, paranoia, and self-interest. But the best ones foster trust and cooperation because their leaders build what Sinek calls a "Circle of Safety" that separates the security inside the team from the challenges outside.

Sinek illustrates his ideas with fascinating true stories that range from the military to big business, from government to investment banking.

Reviews

  • Inspired

    5
    By LJFK11
    Very inspiring and practice advice based on factual evidence.
  • Great book, a little lengthy

    4
    By Mark Nosrati
    I really wished that the author would’ve spent more time on discussing the concept of destructive abundance and providing more insight and solutions. I felt there were too many comparisons to the military and not enough to real world day to day situations that the majority of the population could relate to such as job hunting and working for a small business. Overall, great read but a little lengthy in some unnecessary areas.
  • Great!

    5
    By Sensei Mark C
    What a great book. Was able to put across in a very positive manner not only the pit falls of modern technology but some very practical solutions. Working with young people, I know that it is not all doom and gloom. With a little patience, understanding and open mind we can all live a happy and productive life.
  • Great read; full of important ideas on leading

    5
    By Mncm27
    Simon Sinek has an awesome way of verbalizing the points he makes in a way that make sense to anyone. This book uses a lot of colorful examples on how leadership can be learned, utilized and benefit us on an interpersonal level. If you’re interested in reading about leadership and thoughts about what people expect from their leaders, this is a must read. One of the best and most inspiring books I’ve read in a while.
  • Leaders Eat Last

    5
    By Leviticus Lee
    This book is very inspiring. A must read for all young leaders!!!!
  • Be ready to apply concepts to all aspects of your life

    5
    By CarolynME
    I read this book with the intention of learning some leadership skills that I could apply at work. My expectations were clearly limited compared to what I'm leaving with with. This book is jam packed with concepts that can be applied to all aspects of your life. This is not a quick, light read... if you allow yourself to truly comprehend the concepts and apply them, I believe anyone would find the kind of enrichment I have.
  • Worth reading

    5
    By Kraad
    I truly enjoyed reading this inspiring book
  • Nigel Vellasamy

    5
    By Nigel Vellasamy
    Do yourself a favor and read this. Eye opening and with your time.
  • Great insights

    5
    By Salempens
    This was an excellent book. It explains the biological component of working with and building trust with people. Simon uses the concept of a Circle of Safety to show how leaders need to work for their employees within that circle to ensure that they feel safe and can thrive. He gives many recent historical examples of how generational attitudes have created conditions that may allow for the circle of safety to fail when leaders violate the rule of taking care of others before themselves. The military uses the phrase "Leaders Eat Last" to characterize that rule, and Simon takes it and applies it accross the corporate spectrum. He presents a lot of science in this book, but not in a geeky, hard-to-understand way. But his does back up his discussion with facts. The book is also well documented in the end notes. One of the big things I'll walk away with is how abundance and success can be destructive if not kept in perspective.