Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t

Sinek opens this part by explaining that most alcoholics never sustain recovery until they’ve reached Step 12, which consists of helping another alcoholic beat their addiction. Within a Circle of Safety, an individual’s success is dependent on their commitment to the group. Sinek emphasizes the power of community, of connection, as a defense against adversity, claiming that “whenever there is a human bond involved—a real, true, honest human bond, where neither party wants anything from the other—we seem to find the strength to endure—and the strength to help” (276). He reviews some examples from the book.

Sinek then concludes the book by making a plea, imploring the reader to commit to empathy-based leadership. Change is difficult and often requires time and patience, but the result is well worth it. From Bob Chapman to Charlie Kim to James Sinegal, the decision to put people first requires conviction and ultimately leads to a greater sense of commitment within an organization. We each have the ability to become the leaders we wish we had in our own jobs and personal lives.