Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't

Simon Sinek

Feb 2020 · Penguin Random House Audio · Narrated by Simon Sinek

About this audiobook

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.

Ratings and reviews

The title is misleading. I feel like it was less about becoming an effective leader and more about failures of other leaders. The author makes several good points and his narration is well done. I just didn't walk away with the, "OMG you have to read this" reaction that so many of my peers had.

as a person who became a leader not to many years ago, I found this extremely interesting and useful.

this helped me jump start the overall culture to my team

About the author

Simon Sinek is an optimist, teacher, writer, and worldwide public speaker. His first four books --Start With Why, Leaders Eat Last, Together is Better, and Find Your Why -- have been national and international bestsellers. His first TED talk, based on Start With Why, is the third most-viewed TED video of all time. Learn more about his work and how you can inspire those around you at StartWithWhy.com.