Leaders Eat Last: The leadership book that every good manager needs, from the multi-million copy bestselling author of Start With Why Paperback – 25 May 2017

First Impressions:I grabbed Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek, expecting a motivational read, and it definitely delivered. The book dives deep into the psychology of leadership and why the best leaders are the ones who prioritize their teams. Sinek’s writing style is engaging and clear, making complex leadership concepts easy to understand. It’s not just a theory book; it’s packed with real-world examples that make the ideas hit home.Content and Insights:What really sets this book apart is the focus on trust and empathy. Sinek explains how the most successful leaders are those who foster a sense of safety and trust within their teams. He breaks down the science behind human behavior in high-performing teams and how leaders can build environments that promote collaboration, loyalty, and innovation. The title, "Leaders Eat Last," sums up his core message – leaders put the needs of their team first.He also emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where people feel valued and supported, which leads to better performance and happier teams. Sinek explores how leadership isn’t just about managing tasks but about taking care of people, and he uses examples from military leadership, companies like Southwest Airlines, and even social movements to back up his points.Readability:This book is incredibly readable. Sinek does a great job of explaining abstract concepts in a relatable way. He mixes stories, science, and research in a way that keeps the reader engaged, and you don’t feel bogged down by too much jargon. The chapters are fairly short, so you can easily digest the material one step at a time, which makes it feel more like a guide than a textbook.Takeaways:The big takeaway from this book is that leadership isn’t about power or control – it’s about serving others. Sinek’s focus on safety, trust, and human connection is a refreshing approach to leadership that many people overlook. Whether you’re in a corporate setting, leading a small team, or just looking to improve your own leadership skills, the insights in this book are practical and impactful.Pros:Clear, engaging writing with real-world examplesFocuses on trust, empathy, and people-centered leadershipMakes complex leadership theories simple and accessibleThought-provoking and full of actionable insightsEncourages a leadership style that builds strong, supportive teamsCons:Some may find the ideas a bit idealistic, especially in high-pressure corporate environmentsIf you’re already familiar with Sinek’s other work (like Start with Why), you might find some concepts repetitiveFinal Thoughts:Leaders Eat Last is an eye-opening read for anyone looking to become a better leader or simply understand the dynamics of great leadership. Sinek’s emphasis on empathy, safety, and putting others first is a timeless message that resonates with leaders in any field. Highly recommend it for anyone who wants to improve their leadership approach and build stronger, more loyal teams.Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars) – A must-read for anyone interested in leading with integrity and creating supportive, high-performing teams!

A lot of what is written in this book really is common sense, and sensible approaches to leadership and other areas of life / interaction with others. None of this is ‘rocket science’. However, the reason I read it is because Simon knows how to articulate what others can’t quite, and that’s what makes it a worthy purchase. A lot of research and comparing/contrasting the good and bad, which is why it works. Enjoyed it and definitely recommend.

Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last is a must-read for managers and leaders who aim to create a positive and people-centered work environment. The book highlights the importance of trust, empathy, and fostering a sense of belonging within teams. Through engaging examples and actionable insights, Sinek demonstrates how great leaders prioritize their people, leading to sustainable success.While some sections may feel repetitive, the core message is powerful and inspiring. A valuable guide for leaders striving to make a meaningful impact.

Fantastic book, highly recommend

Whatever industry you are in, this is a must read/audio leadership book, add it to your leadership collection ans check out Simon Sineks other books.

I bought this for a friend having read it as part of a master's course. A brilliant read, easy to understand and full of ideas and examples that really make you reflect on your leadership actions and styles. A recommended read for anyone interested in leadership or management.

Leaders Eat Last is a worthwhile read. I would give it 3/5 stars with the following comments:Sinek offers a brief explanation of how psychology and biochemistry guide our choices and behaviours. He then develops this by proposing his ‘Circle of Safety’ theory of human behaviour, and relates this to working environments. I found this part of the book the most compelling. Although not intended to be an academic text, he grounds his theory in scientific evidence, expressed in uncomplicated straightforward language. He also provides real-world examples to develop your understanding and to place his explanations firmly within a work or business context.Further into the book historical context is given to support the observation that workplace cultures change along with the psychologies of those that inhabit them- I found this worthy of reflection, although it was a little long and tedious in places. Whilst not an instruction manual for creating workplace trust, nor a presentation of ‘The Business Case for Workplace Altruism’ it is possible to glean ‘dos and don’ts’ from the many case studies given.Whilst undeniably hopeful, there are several areas for improvement. The book lost 2 stars because the examples became repetitive after the first few chapters; I found them excessive and unnecessary. They didn’t add anything to the argument being made. The structure and pace of the book also left much to be desired. I kept reading hoping that the last two-thirds of the book would show a development of the author’s ideas, but they merely re-stated the first third with another gush of case studies.I think the ideas in this text would have been expressed in a more interesting way if they had been presented as a series of three or four essays. This might have curbed Sinek's habit of repetition and overuse of illustrative examples, making his arguments clear and more persuasive. He might have paced himself more effectively and linked his ideas better (for example his explanation of the Baby Boomer and Millenial work ethics).