Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

How do you take the leap from being just another manager to becoming a leader? Organizations run on values and purposes - the subtle ‘WHY’ factor of you doing what you are doing and once you have figured that out, the subsequent scenario of making that ‘WHY’ a ship ready to sail arrives. How do we tackle it and what role does leadership play in this? Well, if you have pondered upon these questions, the book “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek is the paramount deposit to get you through your questions. 

The following is an extension of his previous book - ’Start With Why' explores the ideas giving that ‘Why’ a reasonable and necessary validity. It’s ideas after ideas and yet not bloated with false optimism or uncanny preachiness. This particular book is among the best deep diving experiences that explore the concept (in its truest essence) of leadership. A selection of case studies, stories, experiences, analogies, research snippets and anecdotes from a non-mainstream perspective is what makes this book consumable in an effective way.

Highly inspired by the U.S. Marine Corps’s ethics of work, ‘Leaders Eat Last’ is an offshoot of the conversation between  Simon and General Flynn (author of this book’s foreword). Simon focuses on how healthy work cultures are developed and how leaders are the driving force behind that. He remarks how a lack of empathy in organisations sets up a chain reaction leading up to a lack of trust and accountability resulting in severe tolls on creativity and productivity.         

Simon makes the point that it’s not the genius that makes people around him look great but the combined work of those great people makes the one at the top look like a genius. This is a clear indication of someone who leads people and not manages them. According to him, if only managers cared more for their staff rather than the numbers, those employees would solve the problems and make sure the leader's vision comes to life. 

Picture Credits: https://www.visualsynopsis.com/full-collection/leaders-eat-last-simon-sinek-visual-synopsis-by-dani-saveker

Admirably, there’s a blend of science, psychology, history, sociology and anthropology that makes a great case for his ideas. The use of biology to explain workplace interactions and performances did catch me off guard. Certain examples explore chemicals inside humans that determine how we perform, others explore human psychology of interaction to elevate those around you; a fascinating mix that keeps you hooked to flipping pages.  There are a few such ideas that you will need to unpack by yourself and reflect on after reading the book.  

In no way is this a how-to guide for becoming a leader. It’s an insightful, fundamental and immersive narrative of what makes people trustful, capable and responsible for being a leader. A powerful book with impactful takeaways capable, conducive and optimistic of making you look on the brighter side of organisational situations. I would highly suggest this as a must-read for leadership and talent development practitioners, learning practitioners and behavioural sciences specialists.

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