So Goes the Leader, so Goes the Culture: A leadership lesson from Leaders Eat Last

In the absence of care from the leadership, those inside an organization are less likely to cooperate . Instead, competing against each other becomes the best way to advance. And when that happens, the success individuals in the group may enjoy will not be met with congratulations from others, but with jealousy.[1]

1. Lack of Cooperation: Without guidance or support from leaders, individuals within the organization are less inclined to work together for common goals. Instead, they resort to competing against each other as the primary means to progress or succeed.
2. Jealousy and Mistrust: Success achieved by individuals within this competitive atmosphere is not celebrated by others but rather met with jealousy. The absence of a collaborative environment fosters mistrust among peers.
3. Potential Rebellion or Paralysis: If the leader is perceived as purely evil or inaccessible, it can sow the seeds of rebellion among the employees. Conversely, if there's a possibility of gaining entry into the inner circle of leadership or uncertainty about being supported or abandoned, it can lead to a state of paralysis or fear among the employees.
4. Immobilization and Stress: The uncertainty and fear of the consequences, whether it's the fear of not making it into the inner circle or being discarded, can lead to a state of immobilization. This fear triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, into the bloodstream, affecting the overall well-being and productivity of individuals.

This passage emphasizes the critical role of leadership in creating a supportive and safe environment within an organization. When leaders fail to provide care, guidance, and a sense of security, it can have detrimental effects on the culture, cooperation, and productivity of the workforce.

[1] Sinek, Simon.?Leaders eat last: Why some teams pull together and others don't. Penguin, 2014.