Why Leaders Eat Last: Cultivating a Culture of Trust and Service
In high-performing teams and organizations, the best leaders often prioritize the well-being of their people above their own. This principle is encapsulated in the idea of “leaders eat last,” a concept popularized by Simon Sinek in his book of the same name. The phrase draws from military culture, where leaders let their troops eat first, ensuring they are cared for before taking anything for themselves. This philosophy embodies selflessness, service, and a focus on creating an environment where teams thrive.
The Core Principle: Serving Others First
At its heart, “leaders eat last” emphasizes servant leadership—a leadership style that prioritizes the needs of the team over personal gain. By ensuring their people are cared for, leaders foster trust and loyalty, both of which are essential for sustained success.
When a leader chooses to eat last—whether literally or metaphorically—they send a powerful message: “Your well-being matters more than mine.” This selflessness encourages team members to reciprocate with dedication, collaboration, and mutual respect.
The Biological Basis of Trust in Leadership
Humans are wired for connection. When leaders prioritize their teams, they trigger a sense of safety and belonging. In environments where people feel secure, they’re more likely to innovate, collaborate, and take risks without fear of retribution.
Biologically, this sense of safety is linked to the release of oxytocin, the “bonding hormone.” Leaders who serve their teams foster oxytocin production, reinforcing trust and strengthening team cohesion. Conversely, environments driven by fear or self-serving leadership trigger cortisol (the stress hormone), leading to distrust and disengagement.
Why Many Leaders Struggle with This Concept
Modern work environments often emphasize results over relationships. Leaders may feel pressure to focus on metrics, deadlines, and personal advancement, which can make it difficult to prioritize their teams. However, leaders who overlook their team’s needs risk fostering disengagement and high turnover rates.
Leaders eat last not because they are unimportant, but because their role is to serve as the backbone of their team’s success. By putting their people first, they lay the groundwork for sustainable performance and loyalty.

Practical Applications of “Leaders Eat Last”
1. Create a Safe Environment: Leaders should actively listen to their team’s concerns, address challenges, and advocate for their needs. This creates a workplace where people feel valued and supported.
2. Empower Others: Delegating authority and trusting team members to make decisions fosters growth and confidence. When leaders let go of control, they empower their people to succeed.
3. Lead by Example: Actions speak louder than words. Leaders who demonstrate selflessness in day-to-day activities inspire others to adopt the same mindset. I've always said, "I'll never ask you to do something I haven't already done". It's not beneath my position to take out the trash or clean a bathroom.
4. Celebrate Wins Together: Acknowledge team contributions and share the credit for successes. Publicly celebrating accomplishments reinforces the idea that everyone plays a critical role. On many occasions, I've shared my own performance bonuses with top performers on my team who would have otherwise gone without. This fostered a fierce loyalty and desire to succeed.
The Impact of Selfless Leadership
When leaders eat last, organizations benefit in profound ways. Teams become more cohesive, resilient, and motivated. Morale increases, and employees feel a sense of purpose, knowing their contributions matter.
In contrast, leaders who prioritize themselves breed resentment, distrust, and disengagement. Over time, this erodes team morale and hampers long-term success.
Conclusion
The principle of “leaders eat last” is a reminder that great leadership is about service, not status. By putting their teams first, leaders build trust, foster collaboration, and create a culture of mutual respect. In doing so, they not only achieve success but also leave a legacy of impact that extends far beyond themselves.
True leadership isn’t about being in charge—it’s about taking care of those in your charge. By eating last, leaders pave the way for a thriving and unified tea.
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