(photo credit: freshdev4.com)
After hearing Simon Sinek for the first time on TED Talks a
few months ago, I knew I had to get his books (Link to his TED Talk
below). I recently read his book, Leaders Eat Last. In my opinion, Sinek is one of the most
astute observers of the human condition today.
This book explores the psychological reasons we exhibit certain
behavior, drawing on both biology and psychology.
Through surveys, scientific research and stories, Sinek
describes the pain many suffer in workplaces.
Instead of thriving, we are preoccupied with internal rivalries and
distanced from fellow humans by abstraction and scale. The result is our defense mechanisms kick in,
and the chemicals released make us more unhelpful, unhappy and unhealthy. Understanding that humans biologically
evolved to cooperate and that leaders emerged to protect the group,
organizations that create environments paralleling those early conditions will
bring out the best in us.
Sinek talks about how to bring the balance back in our
workplace so both companies and individuals can thrive side by side in a
symbiotic relationship. And he gives
lots of examples such as Barry Wehmiller companies where CEO Bob Chapman is
dedicated to ‘building great people who do extraordinary things. And Charlie Kim, CEO of Next Jump who
implemented a policy of lifetime employment.
Sinek focuses on how the leader plays a role in service to
the group, protecting it from external threats.
In short, quoting a Marine Corps general, Leaders Eat Last.
This book will make you think differently about the business
systems that prevail in our society and also give you a way to make the
workplace more humane. I encourage each
of you to read this book, because if you are leading a team of people, you’ll
be delighted and reinvigorated.
Check out Simon Sinek’s TED Talk here.
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