WHO’S THE AUTHOR
Simon Sinek made this quote popular with his book "Leaders eat last". The British-American author is a much wanted inspirational speaker and author of several bestsellers including Start with Why. His TED talk on this subject is, with 40 million views, the third most-viewed TED talk ever. He writes: "Leaders are the ones who are willing to give up something of their own for us. Their time, their energy, their money, maybe even the food of their plate. When it matters, leaders choose to eat last."
HOW TO APPLY IT IN YOUR EVERY DAY LIFE
Be aware every morning that the advantages you enjoy are a consequence of the position you hold and not of the fact that you are such an incredibly talented John Johnson or Jennifer Jefferson.
Be aware of the shadow you cast as a leader. Be aware of how your actions and your words are interpreted by others.
Work with your staff on a paradigm shift, whereby the focus within the team is not on the mission or objectives, but on the staff themselves.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Sinek has taken his cue from Robert K. Greenleaf who introduced the concept of Servant Leadership in his essay ‘The Servant as Leader’. While traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by someone at the ‘top of the pyramid’, servant leadership is different. The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform to the best of their ability.
NICE TO KNOW...
Simon Sinek’s ‘leaders eat last’ statement is an allusion to the commonly known ‘Officers eat last’ rule in the United States Marine Corps. During field training and in certain combat environments, the officers of these forces eat last. It’s also customary for them to serve the food to the soldiers underlining the fact that those on the frontline are of crucial importance. Officers often must skip a meal – and while this is unfortunate and uncomfortable, you don’t win a war with hungry soldiers at the front.
