Author: Sinek, Simon
Call Number: 658.4092 S616L 2014
Book Description from amazon.com:
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.
My Read:
Leaders set the tone, no doubt.
I like the Leadership Lessons in this book. Some are:
-So goes the culture, so goes the company
-So goes the leader, so goes the culture
-Lead the people, no the numbers
I also like the three things Captain Marquet points out he can't delegate:
"I can't delegate my legal responsibilities.
I can't delegate my relationships.
I can't delegate my knowledge.
everything else, however, I can ask others to take responsibility for."--page 145
