Monday, July 27, 2015

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

My friend MaryLou lent me this book. She is reading it as part of a principal-preparation program. She thought I would enjoy it, and she was correct!!!

This is a very readable book with lots of good examples from business and the military. But it's a book that fits every profession and every person, because it's based on good principles. The main principle is that we need to trust our leaders and our leaders need to be trustworthy. We all need to do the right things for the right reasons. What I like about this is that it's true. What I also appreciated was the many examples of how businesses thrive when they put people and their needs FIRST, rather than profits.

One of the author's main contentions is that our current culture is more or less addicted to dopamine and quick results, rather than on long-term happiness provided by the brain chemical oxytocin. Sometimes this is a big stretch to make his point, over and over, but sometimes it seems to really fit.

I am thinking about giving copies of this book to Mike and/or Don, because I think it would help any businessperson remember that people are their most critical asset. It might also help them think about ways to make their business more altruistic and rewarding and not just profitable. Just thinking about this...not sure I'll really do it!

One "test" he gives is to ask us if we would trust our leader in a foxhole to protect us. That's ultimately what a leader SHOULD do, but somehow, in recent years, we do not. He cites many examples in politics, in bustiness, and other arenas that shows how short-sighted it is to operate without integrity and trust. His contention that leaders need to create a safety zone is well-founded, because it leads to innovation and better practices... Lots of good material here, worthy of putting into practice!!! He's also very worth watching on his Ted Talks! I like it when good principles gain popularity!

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