Leaders Eat Last

In Ancient Greece

Sparta was a “warrior society.” A relatively small city-state, it had a similarly small army that inspired dread and admiration out of proportion to its size among its allies and enemies alike due to its soldiers’ power, bravery and fortitude. Sinek details why ancient Spartans reserved their toughest punishments for soldiers who laid down their shields or lost them: one soldier surrendering his shield put an entire line of fighters at risk. Losing a sword or helmet generated no disgrace; that was battlefield happenstance and put only the soldier who lost his belongings in jeopardy. Losing a shield threatened everyone. The army stripped a solider who lost his shield of his most precious asset: his Spartan citizenship. Sinek makes a further point that an organization is only as strong as the trust its workers hold for one another.

When people feel threatened within their group – and when group leaders look out only for their own interests – distrust and dysfunction thrive. A leader’s most important role is to make sure all members of a group “pull together.” Their sacrifices drive this effort.