Leaders Eat Last

Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't

By: Simon Sinek

Narrated by: Simon Sinek

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.

A true analysis of what a leader is

The idea of leaders eating last may sound like a "softie" attitude to life and love.. Sinek shows that it's nothing of the sort. His examples of the successful engagement of this ethos are drawn from fields as tough as the US Marines and the dog-eat-dog world Corporate America. Leaders eating last works, Sinek insists, because human beings are built to function best in that sort of environment.
I'm a physician and admittedly , the book has a lot of oversimplification of the neurophysiology behind human feelings. However, it's fairly accurate as far as it goes. The author uses these principles as the basis of his explanation of how good leadership works.
A few points I really enjoyed:
His explanation for the current breakdown of relations between the Republicans and Democrats in congress. It's hard to believe that just 20 years ago (or less), most members of congress from both sides of the aisle used to socialise together. Their kids were in the same schools in DC.

His analysis of the history of news broadcasting in the United States although brief, is incredibly insightful. It's been described in detail in other tomes, but Sinek really does it justice here.

He also gives what I believe is a balanced view on Millennials & Generation Z's. He explains what they need to do to overcome the challenges that frequently trip them up. A lot of what he describes may be familiar to many of the older generation. But he also makes it clear that the problem isn't just with the Millennials. The older generation need to do some work here too.

An easy read and very insightful in my view.

Interesting Book but not a fitting Title

The book had some good insights and I found it interesting, however there was a lot more academic scientific parts than I expected. The title led me to believe the book might be on servanthood and putting your team before yourself but it was less a book about good leadership and more a book about why people make the decisions that they do and what motivates people. (Knowing this can help a leader, it just wasn't what I expected based on the title).

Great listen!

I absolutely enjoyed this book. So much so that I may have to give it another listen. The stories are relatable, and Simon Sinek did a fantastic job of narrarating. This book was wonderful and thought provoking during my hour+ long morning runs. At times I didn't want to stop running because the book was so good. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, especially those struggling with or question whether or not they are a good leader.
Do yourself a favor a listen to this book! You will not be disappointed with the take-a-ways.

AMAZING BOOK FOR LEADERS!

Amazing book! As a business owner leading millennials, this book has been enlightening on my path of becoming a better leader for my team. The 7 of us read it and it helped us to communicate more effectively and reach our goals based on our why. Must read for enterpreneurs and business owners!

Leaders eat last my take

Great book like Find out your Why. The only thing is I think Simon was off track toward the end of the book when he was talking about drug addiction. Otherwise very well put together. Great book in leadership.
Thank you all!