The True Story Behind LEADERS EAT LAST

Listen to Simon share the lessons of service and sacrifice in the military that led him to write "Leaders Eat Last".
Recorded at @SummitSessions at Sea in conversation with Molly Bloom, May 2023
+ + +
Simon is an unshakable optimist. He believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together.
Described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect,” Simon has devoted his professional life to help advance a vision of the world that does not yet exist; a world in which the vast majority of people wake up every single morning inspired, feel safe wherever they are and end the day fulfilled by the work that they do.
Simon is the author of multiple best-selling books including Start With Why, Leaders Eat Last, Together is Better, and The Infinite Game.
+ + +
Website: simonsinek.com/
Live Online Classes: simonsinek.com/classes/
Podcast: apple.co/simonsinek
Instagram: / simonsinek
Linkedin: / simonsinek
Twitter: / simonsinek
Facebook: / simonsinek
Simon’s books:
The Infinite Game: simonsinek.com/books/the-infi...
Start With Why: simonsinek.com/books/start-wi...
Find Your Why: simonsinek.com/books/find-you...
Leaders Eat Last: simonsinek.com/books/leaders-...
Together is Better: simonsinek.com/books/together...
+ + +
#SimonSinek

[@TRAVISGOLDIE]

As a veteran my biggest problem is adjusting from a culture of brotherhood to civilian life, you had a great insight about medals for others and a bonus for us. It something I still struggle with daily seeing people shoot others down to make themselves look better. Honestly I don’t want to change, I want society to become better

[@nirfz]

👍By not participating in taking others down to look better, you make society become better. Thanks!

[@exisfohdr3904]

This is the reason so many veterans become homeless. It is VERY difficult to go along with the typical civilian job market mentality. I struggled with transitioning to civilian life myself after 10 years in the Navy. I still have contempt for civilian work 10 years after getting out of the military.

[@TRAVISGOLDIE]

@@exisfohdr3904 and i am exactly in that position now due to “normal” people cutting me down taking advantage and sabotaging my career

[@tammywehner3269]

so do I. it's sucks that the civies eat their own instead helping each other out.

[@Dominini]

I wish I could like your comment twice

[@jeremymorrison263]

I had a sergeant in the USMC that had 2 kids and had to work as a Pizza delivery guy to make ends meet. He was in his early 20s and would always make NCOs stand down at chow for lower ranks. He'd yell PRIVATES EAT FIRST when others would try to violate this tradition. Never yelled, or made us feel stupid... just an all around great human and stellar example of a leader.

[@jamesshank7918]

Thank you for sharing your experience, it was truly moving. As a Marine Veteran myself, I can attest that leaders do eat last, and not just the Officers. As a young Sergeant, I was sent with a detail to supervise the guarding of the wreckage of a downed Helo in a swampy area while arrangements were made for recovery to began the investigation into the cause. We were going to be onsite overnight and they were going to deliver meals. The first bag lunches arrived, and they came up one short. I passed them out to the young Marines and told them NOT to worry, I'd be fine. One of the Lance Corporals walked up and said he didn't want his apple, and handed it to me. Another came up and said he only wanted half his sandwich. Another said he didn't need his orange. I put them first, they took care of me. Not only do the leaders eat last, but we put the Marines below us first in all aspects. "See to the men," was taught in NCO School, and the SNCO Academy.

[@estern001]

I spent 12 years in the Navy. Veterans know that leaders work for their subordinates. It still shocks me that the civilian world doesn't understand this.

[@bruceleealmighty]

Very true. Leadership is Leadership no matter what form it takes. Coming from the enlisted through OCS the mentality of taking responsibility of those in your command becomes ingrained. To this day nearly 20 years of retirement I'm not hungry until I begin to eat. It's conditioning that becomes your life.

[@zacharygeib9069]

I am a company officer in the fire service. Thank you for sharing this comment, I will be sharing it with several other leaders I work with.

[@99PMoon]

Subordinates eat first. A parent will go hungry, until they know that their children are fed.

[@zoltannagy2920]

This is how leaders prove that their Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen come first. It is THE most basic construct of caring for your troops. "This is the way"....

[@kevinnathanson6876]

This captures why many of us who served are strong advocates for some sort of compulsory service after high school. Not necessarily military, but something where one has to put a mission ahead of one's self interest. Many of us have forgotten that there are occasions where we have to take care of someone else; someone that is not a family member or connected to us by any sort of link except that they too have to navigate their way through life. Excellent presentation; hopefully it reaches a lot of people.

[@david33mtrb]

I could not agree more. Maybe corporations would function quite differently, have a greater concern for people rather than exclusively for profits, if your suggestion was put into action.

[@paulbradbury5792]

Hell yes, I could not agree more. Living in California central valley if your not family or friend not one single person gives a shit about you. I feel like when I was younger growing up there was always a sense of community, but nowadays everyone is just out for themselves or their family

[@karinlarsen2608]

I applaud your comment. We should follow Israel's lead

[@nirfz]

Being from a country with conscription i would say you are sadly only partially correct. Nothing is perfect. In my personal experience there are people who won't get it no matter what. (it may have to do with peacetime service, or their character or personal devellpment, who knows) On the positive side: many will get the concept of taking care for each other (, depending on what they get to do.) Out military for example is used any time there's a natural disaster (avellanches, landslides, forest fires, floods) and the soldiers that get send and to perform their duty in those scenarios get it. (and they see and feel the thankfullness of the population of the area they are in first hand) The same is true for those who opt for civil service instead of military and are put into ambulances as assistants to the medics. Another interesting aspect is that those who have a pretty hard training/physically demanding time in the military also get it. I volunteered for a year, and from day one i was put to "my rev limit" physically almost the entire first 4 months. (i weight 78 kg when entering service and after those 4 months i had lost 8kg. With a height of 187cm...) So we had a physically and mentally demanding time, for most that this meant ackowledging ones own physical limits and helping those who had reached or overstepped theirs. And i know the same i and most of my company comrades experienced happened to friends of mine who didn't go in voluntarily, were in other branches, bases and at different times and had a little less but still demanding training. Yet, there were still very few who started as _insert favorite insult here_ and didn't change. And then there are those who have an easy time (and wanted it in the first place) and those often talk down on the service here. They see it as a waste of time. Even though most of them didn't want to do much and achieved it...Instead of being happy that they were successfull in achieving their goal, they bad mouth the whole idea. But i think it's not necessarily only that people understand that helping others can be more important than ones self interest. Their self interest can even be of help in learning to help others, or at least to be able to successfully work with someone they don't like, because the goal can only be achieved by working together. We can choose friends but we can't choose family, and the same is true for military service: you can't choose who you share a room with, who you need to take care of, and who you need to depend on. So it's important to learn to overcome differences and work together. And where else can you learn that? With a job, you can choose to leave and look for a different job if you don't like someone, or have differences. I had one guy in the later part of my service who was an absolute _insert most drastic insult you can think of here_ towards me whenever he could. But when it counted during live firing of the AAA gun we were trained on, he put down his attitude and worked with me. We got the highest score of the event. (and it wasn't because there were instructors watching us, they did watch but from outside, so they wouldn't see or hear if he sabotaged me there, like he liked to do.) Lastly: we had a referendum years ago about changing from conscription to an only professional army. The majority of the population voted for keeping conscription, because the society benefits from it. (apart from a cheaper army, it means many available hands in natural desasters, and volunteers for ambulance vehicle crews, which is run on over 50% voluntary personal here)

[@pokebreaker]

In my opinion, mandatory service would actually take away from the value of volunteering and serving others. If everyone has to serve, then who are we serving? Children, the elderly, and the disabled? I've lived in a country with mandatory service laws, and there, NOBODY cares that you are in the military, because it's just part of everyday business for their men. Nobody is particularly grateful for your service, because they have all done the same, and it's just part of the typical process of growing up in that country. Just as attendance to elementary school, middle school, and high school are mandatory, so is military service. I'm not saying there aren't potential benefits to mandatory service, but I think it takes away from the value of those that volunteer, and it desensitizes the population. Instead of your service being seen as an act of voluntary sacrifice, it is instead seen as forced actions. It's like the difference between a kid thanking their grandmother for a gift because they are truly appreciative, versus a kid thanking their grandmother simply because their parents forced them to say it. The voluntary nature matters much more than we might think.

[@brandonchism6960]

I’m a former EOD tech. I cut my teeth in the horrors that Afghanistan was for many of the US service members. To me, my contribution meant the difference between some young kid accidentally finding an IED versus me doing my job and all of us laughing about it by a make shift fire pit. To hear this viewpoint from someone who didn’t need or have to be there and all the emotions it entailed is both an experience that makes me laugh and tear up. Thanks for your story. Someone needed to hear it.

[@tonyfarrar1218]

Former 55D30 here as well brother...

[@sierrafoxtrotgolf3638]

Thanks for your service, Brandon. I served in the ARNG in the 80's as an NBC Specialist and while 1000 is the ARNG were deployed, our unit never was. I've always felt like less of a vet, never having served in combat. I tried to re-enlist during the Gulf war but was too old. :(

[@garyodle5663]

I had a wonderful commander one time and as Wing Chaplain I had the great privilege to be on the Commander's Staff. One morning at Commander's Staff Meeting he shared something with us. He said, "People will join the Air Force for any of a thousand reasons. Some to get away from home, or to travel, or adventure. Maybe for job training or pride or because they are bored. But they will only stay in for one reason. Only one. It is love. If they love the people they are working with and feel loved by them, and they love the mission that they do along with the people they love then they will stay in. If they don't feel loved or love those they serve with they will get out, guaranteed. Your job as senior leaders is to indwell those you lead with a sense of love. If you are not doing that then you are not doing your job." And he was right. I served for twenty-seven years and it was a deep love for the people I worked with, who were the best people in the world, and I loved being involved in something bigger than I was. Love made the difference. Simon Sinek nailed it.

[@stevenjefferys10]

Exactly. I served in the CAF, 22 yrs and got out primarily because I no longer felt valued. I still deeply cared for those I served with and led, but did not feel that that was being reciprocated by higher ups.

[@edjarrett3164]

Your comments are spot on. 26 yr vet in AF and my duty was always to the people I served. There was nothing more important than taking care of my troops. They were my first priority wherever we deployed. Their comfort and security was my first priority. Thankfully, I’ve been able to translate that same care in a civilian setting. The translation is different, but the ethos is the same. Thank you for your service.

[@billroberts3864]

Chaplain, thank you for sharing what your commander said about instilling a sense of love. I have been a police and fire chaplain for 30 years and the love in the various departments has made all the difference in the world. The love helps the responders deal with challenging calls as they served our communities.

[@davidpalmer4184]

As an ex-grunt, your story brought tears to my eyes, Welcome to the infantry! And yes, in the professional military the leaders do eat last. I am retired and I won't eat before I feed my dogs.

[@tasim-mn2kt]

Sir,Can u share ur best and worst experience in your life. im really eager to know it from you [THANK YOU]

[@John-G]

When, above company level, did your leaders ever eat last? Even at company level it's not practical and doesn't happen.

[@davidpalmer4184]

@@John-G Hi John, I acknowledge what you are saying, but that is my point. The NCO's wouldn't eat until the "grunts" did but the officers did what they want.

[@John-G]

@@davidpalmer4184 Agreed 100% David. Absolutely, despite the absolute tripe some are saying here. That's what usually and inevitably happens, for a whole range of reasons. The whole point of this "leaders eat last" nonsense, though, is that the officers set the example by eating last - as you rightly say, though - they don't. The whole idea is garbage.

[@thomascarroll8181]

Welcome to the Infantry is right!

[@charlespackwood2055]

Simon's gift of communication is amazing. It was like I was walking through what he experienced. Don't ever shut up, Simon.

[@j.l.salayao8055]

I say, "go on" Simon...huuurrraaahhh!

[@hodell82]

As a former Army infantry officer who served in the Gulf War in 1991, I can absolutely affirm everything he said. And ALL leaders, officers and NCOs included, ALWAYS ate last. I can even remember a few times when us officers did not get to eat. And none of us had a problem with that. I've been out of the military a long time, but I can truly say that just about everything I learned about leadership I learned as a military officer, and the lessons were priceless. I wouldn't trade my military experience for ANYTHING.

[@irishdefense77]

Hooah!Former 04 here-18A and I respect your post.All lessons in life were absorbed by being an A detachment commander and seeing after my team-all of who were professionals.Being hungry be damned,but if I have to be so that my men eat?So be it.Every time.DOL!

[@jeffreycohan3986]

Petty Officer 2nd Class Hospital Corpsman...served with MARSOC as a Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman. I can concur with everything said. Guys like the one that spoke would imbed with us for a bit...thanks for telling our story.

[@JamieTransNyc]

This is genrally true for the combat arms (Infantry, Armor, Cavalry, Field Artillery) , but not so much for the others

[@John-G]

If you went hungry, just as if you went without sleep, you wouldn't have been able to do your job as well as if you were fed or rested so you were putting your soldiers' lives at risk so you could feel good about yourself and get some cheap brownie points. YOU may not have had a problem with that, but you were putting your soldiers' lives at risk by doing it. Unfortunately that's reality, however well intentioned.

[@John-G]

When, exactly, did " ALL leaders, officers and NCOs included, ALWAYS ate last" in GW1? It's absolute, total BS. So Stormin' Norman and Peter de la B wited until all the rest had eaten before tucking in? IT'S BS! Complete and total BS! It happens at low level, at section level and sometimes at pl level, but go above that and it simply becomes not just impractical but impossible.

[@StrongConservative]

Real military active and veterans we all see each others as brothers an sisters always

[@LanceRomanceF4E]

I was a USAF Lt Col serving as an air liaison officer with an army unit and had to pull one of my captains out of a chow line because he had some of our men behind him. He knew it, but didn’t care. I walked him away from the troops and raked his ass for five minutes and said if he ever did that again he’d eat MREs in his hummer for the rest of the deployment. We ate last and liked it.

[@John-G]

Lucky you had the time to spare and nothing better to do.

[@LanceRomanceF4E]

@@John-G sounds like something someone who’s never been in command would say 😂

[@markh8740]

​@@John-GIt's a respect thing...something it seems foreign to you

[@John-G]

​​@@LanceRomanceF4EIf it sounds like that to you, you've obviously never been in command in a combat unit on operations. If you had been you'd know that after you've been out on ops, of any sort, while your troops can relax your job is just starting with debriefs, patrol reports and planning, briefings and orders for your next trip outside the wire. If you'd been the IO, Ops offr, etc, you'd know that while twiddling your thumbs standing in line may impress the uninformed it's all too often time wasted when you should be doing your job in the Ops Room or the Int Cell. It works for the REMFs and it works for those who've got the time to spare - in combat, you don't.

[@John-G]

​@@markh8740Respect is earnt by doing your job, not making a show - at least in a combat unit. If you've just finished an op or a patrol, your troops have time to go and eat - you don't as you have patrol and post op reports to make and debriefs. If you're the Ops Offr or IO, you're job's in the Int Cell or the Ops Room, not posing in the cookhouse. If you're a REMF, fine, maybe you've got nothing better to do and you can afford the time.

[@Subdood04]

20 year Submariner, retired Chief. My wife and family never knew where I was going or how long I might be gone. My goal was always to take care of my Sailors first. To this day, in group settings, etc. I still eat last.

[@kennethdavis9732]

Me Too. 20 year ETC/SS (ret) SSBN 644B, SSN 637, SSN 701, Now a School Teacher (NJROTC) and I still always eat after my cadets. I don't think many people that have never served would understand. Still .. Navy,... Bubblehead,.... Goat locker, Pride

[@flight2k5]

Uh yea chiefs don’t eat last. You eat in your mess. Along with officers. The navy does not follow this.

[@armcchargues8623]

I was in 20 years, 4 submarines. Two boomers, two fast attacks. Officers ate first, chiefs next and enlisted guys ate last. Now things may be different, as I retired in 2000, but that's the way it was when I was in. Not sure where you all served - I was in Charleston and Groton.

[@flight2k5]

@@armcchargues8623 well chiefs are enlisted.

[@timbernie]

@@armcchargues8623 Same thing in San Diego....enlisted ate last. I had never heard of Officers eating last. A friend, a Coasty LCDR former Enlisted told me about his tradition. I told him a story about a LT. "Who demanded Ice Cream for desert. HOLY Stuff hit the fan. And on my last day as a Wardroom Mess Cook. How he got a plate of soup in his lap. And The XO, quietly jumped down his throat. LT wanted to Courts-martial me. For assaulting an Officer. XO told LT to sit in his own mess. There would be no Courts-martial. That I was the best messcook in the wardroom in years...You are lucky to have him. He cleaned up your messes. And ordered an apology. I had said OOPPS and the plate ended up in his lap. Total accident.

[@anon813]

You came to my University to speak some years ago. At the time it was a mandatory event of which I thought little, beyond the inconvenience it was causing me. You told this story accompanied by the story of SPC Ross McGinnis. At the end, you said, "These are the people you are being asked to lead. Do not fail them." This event and these words changed my life. I've been on active duty for nearly ten years now.

[@robertscherer6343]

No greater sacrifice is the service to your brother and sisters in arms. The epiphany of this is amazing. I served 21 years and that epiphany hit me after I went into the civilian job markets.

[@robertprice9052]

As a life long soldier I thank you for telling our story so well. The understanding of who and what someone becomes when they choose to put on the uniform, lace a pair of boots and stand with others. It’s a different world. A different life. Few understand it, you are helping other to understand- thank you.

[@ProBioMech]

And even 30 years after giving it up they’re still your brothers and sisters. That bond never dies.

[@musicandairplanes6330]

BROTHERHOOD of Military! We love each other so we can die together!

[@joseignaciochavez167]

Simon, I know this comment may get lost amongst the rest. But I can’t possibly thank you enough for your words, your work and your determination to change peoples lives. I lost a true friend a couple days ago and thanks to your book I have found the strength to “Go On” despite my grief.

[@douglasherron7534]

Great interview! "Officers eat last" has been a SOP in the British Army for donkey's years, and one of the key duties of an officer (regardless of rank) is to regularly inspect the food served to the men to ensure it is of a satisfactory quality. Not only that, the handbook issued to every officer cadet who passes through the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is titled "Serve to Lead" - the motto of RMAS - and details why this (service) is important. I was issued my copy in 1992.

[@TheFlagsofDawn]

Horses -men -officers… nothing has changed

[@John-G]

Utter tripe. It's NEVER been an SOP in any combat unit on operations as the officers have other direct responsibilities either after they've been outside the wire, doing de-briefs, patrol reports, etc, or in the Ops Room or the Int Cell. It may be fine for the REMFs who have the time to waste, with cadets or on an annual camp for reservists, but absolutely not for others who have better, more important and more constructive things to do. I've been deployed in FOBs, patrol bases, platoon bases, company bases, through to Field Force and Bde HQs, from 2Lt through to Colonel, and "Officers eat last" was NEVER the SOP in any of them. ... and unless you were on a nesquik course at RMAS you'd have noticed "Serve to Lead" on your cap badge, not just your handbook. ... and FWIW it's not an officer's "key duty" to inspect the food, regardless of rank - it's the duty officer's / field officers job and the QM's, nobody else's and anyone else doing so would be way out of line, particularly with PAYD.

[@johnnyr859]

Bearing witness is an important duty to recognize those who accept the hazards and risks of serving. Thank you for sharing.

[@exJacktar]

Afghanistan was 2007 and 2009, for me. I was Navy, and was there to support the mission. We were a team sent to assist the Army with up-armouring our LAVIII, Bison, Coyote and RG-31 vehicles. While what we did saved many lives, but we didn’t save everyone and l am haunted by that fact to this day. To get us home when the task was finished, they needed to find us a flight. They did, a Repatriation flight to CFB Trenton. There were 6 husbands, sons and brothers coming home with us to their families. This flight and day was probably the most emotionally wrenching day of my entire career when we touched down and watched their escorts and brothers turn them over for that long trip down the Highway of Heroes for Toronto. It was an honour, but it never leaves you. Simon, I know exactly how you felt. I went back 18 months later and finally had some small understanding of my dad who fought between 1939-1945 in Europe. War changes everyone it touches.

[@stevenjefferys10]

Brother, I was there in 2007-2008 doing casualty processing in the NCE, J1 cell. Attended countless ramp ceremonies for our 18 brothers who made the final trip home. I know of every detail, names of NOK, and how they were all killed, with IEDs being the most common. Lots of casualties (Cat A, B, C), but know this from someone with first hand knowledge of what IEDs do to vehicles and the human body, you saved lives with your work. Even if you saved one life, that's a father/mother/brother/sister that came home to their family. I'm messed up post-Afghanistan with an OSI, so this video brought a lot back, but I had to tell you that I fully understand what you saw and went through.

[@exJacktar]

@stevenjefferys10 Thank you, Steven, for your kind words of support and understanding. I'm glad you made it home. May the rest of your days be kind to you and your family, and may you find inner peace once more.

[@clifstone5951]

As a 19-year-old Marine Infantryman in Vietnam (Delta Company, 1st Battalion 9th Marines, 1965-66), I learned about leadership and brotherhood by observing my NCOs during combat operations. I retired as a division manager for the FAA and often told my colleagues that everything I learned about leadership I learned as a marine combat grunt. One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of (beginning in 1990) was working to reunite my surviving platoon brothers, and subsequently having numerous reunions around the country with our families. Last night I heard from a platoon brother that another brother, a Purple Heart recipient, was placed in a “care facility” drifting away from cognitive decline and lingering PTSD trauma. It saddens me to know we are all now drifting away in one way or another, but my greatest honor is of having served with those great guys so many years ago. Semper Fi brothers.

[@darren763]

Semper Fi and welcome home.

[@ThePyramidone]

As a retired veteran I can say -Very powerful message. You described feelings that I could not even begin to articulate but for me they were spot on.

[@Loot7425]

As a veteran I thank you for explaining your experience in the way you did. You captured it beautifully..

[@Jakesmusings]

As a retired Air Force member of the Air Transportation family; I wanted to thank you for telling your experience. I served two tours in Iraq and a year at Dover AFB. We had a special team that would off load our “special” cargo and render proper respects as each one was off loaded. I don’t think of my time as being very exciting or particularly heroic. When the call came saying that a unit was needed to head to Iraq, my group didn’t hesitate to volunteer. It was great to hear a civilian’s experience to what was “just another day” for us. I immediately showed this video to my wife, but found myself shaking and almost in tears as it seemed someone got it, and i wanted her to see this to help her understand. So thank you for your service, and for sharing.

[@majdan63]

I spent 23 years as an infantry officer and this why I love soldiers and why I find the civilian world so unrewarding.

[@fatherburning358]

I watched you tell this story on DOAC. Powerful story Sir. The sitting in the mud with your friends is so real, just real. Thankyou for your words, well done to take these opportunities to learn. 💪👍🙏

[@gregzoller9003]

Not a vetran or service member, but the way you shared this experience-I get it. It’s something unique and special. I’m misty listening to this-can’t imagine the impact of experiencing this firsthand.

[@johnmccloskey3660]

Simon, thank you, I'm in awe of your love and reverance for those who serve. (Veteran and Father to two Marines)

[@JuanGutierrez-od8fz]

As a veteran i commend u…thank you for putting our feelings i to words…

[@JohnJBrowne11209]

You flew on an Angel's Flight. Much respect.

[@sierrafoxtrotgolf3638]

"Stood at attention with the airmen with your hand on your heart." That was a perfectly fine show of respect. Thanks. Awesome talk, thanks for sharing.

[@DiabloBranco666]

Glad you can express how we feel a lot of the times. I participated in bringing in over 250 of those who fallen into Dover during my time there. That feeling you showed there on stage never goes away, even now, almost 20 years later. Yes, I cried and still do when I see anything related to that.

[@stephen4763]

Simon - I’m speechless. Myself - I could not have finished that story. Too emotional. Thanks for telling this.

[@keithbuddrige5064]

Simon, Thank you and your team for your work. I have this book and I am reading through it as I write this. As an Army Veteran with operational tours in Iraq, East Timor and Afghanistan what you experienced is something that most civilians will not understand. Thank you for explaining it so honestly and candidly, your words and phrases are so real. I can't think of a better way to explain it and if anyone asks what is was like, I will send them the link to watch this video. Your mindset, perspective and wisdom of ensuring each of us work to flip the western business mentality to support each other for success, the Why; How and What becomes so much of my mantra. I am in a position of leadership and in management. Thank you Sir.

[@tonyfarrar1218]

I ALWAYS made sure my soldiers were fed before myself. Reserving myself for last. In fact, for any US Army NCO, its actually a part of the NCO Creed, putting your soldiers welfare before your own...

[@jinjahh]

When I stand back and make sure everyone else has eaten first, it's been commented on that it's a "mom thing." I immediately equated moms with NCOs from that time forward because that's where I learned it. First from my dad, then from my own observations while serving.

[@XLC-zd8dn]

You touched into the brotherhood and sisterhood of arms. I have my own story of doing an Angel flight as a helicopter company commander and my section lifted a deceased soldier off of the battle field and back to Kandahar Airfield. I’ve stood on the ramp saluting a casket far too many times. What you experience can only be understood by experiencing it. No one will truly understand your emotions than us, the veterans that served.

[@Trynity218]

I FELT what he was saying. So much so that I teared up and nodded my head with complete understanding and agreement. Well said SS and I’m grateful you kept on 🥰

[@jonathankenton7182]

Your comment about waiting was hilarious. You definitely got the full experience. Thanks for having the courage to go get an idea how we lived for years. I would not trade my 21 years for anything. As Mat Best’s book title, “Thank You for my Service.“

[@burgerslayerrr]

Great story of a normal person’s fear and cowardice in the face of war. Thank you to all our American service men and women!

[@LadyMI777]

Thank you Simon for this very moving testimony. My day is just beginning and my heart is so full right now. And thank you to all service members, you all have my love and deepest gratitude ❤🙏🏻

[@TheGranti7a]

Simon Sinek, thank-you for bearing precious witness to the culture and community of my childhood. Where honor is real.

[@user-iz9yx8xz5k]

Everyone needs to listen/watch this.

[@FuzzyMarineVet]

There is a story of Lewis Burwell Puller getting on the end of a chow line in Korea in 1951 and seeing a Second Lieutenant in line near the front. He asked the private ahead of him if that officer did that often. The private said, "Yes sir, the Lieutenant never gets the time to eat like the other officers because he's the intelligence officer for the battalion." Chesty said, "Carry on," walked up to the Lieutenant and told him if he ever wants to be a commander in stead of a staff officer he will find or make the time to eat after all his men are fed, went back to the end of the line and waited. In a few minutes the Lieutenant sheepishly walked back and got into the line between Chesty and the private.

[@darren763]

Over 2 decades after EASing and im just now learning chesty's middle name. Thanks for the moto story. 'Rah

[@John-G]

Meanwhile, instead of the IO being able to do his job in the Int Cell or briefing / de-briefing patrols he was wasting his time watching people eating. What would have been more constructive and saved more lives? ... and BTW, 2Lts aren't IO's, and any senior officer should know better than to ask privates about other officers, then to clearly act on what he's been told in front of them, which is seriously out of order.

[@billballeza377]

He described how every combat soldier feels in war.

[@DamiantenBohmer]

Simon Sinek is the most authentic speaker I've ever seen, loved what he's written and said over the years and his message is still very valid. 😊 Thank you all in the comments for your service 👍🏻

[@rmactvc]

I was in Air Mobility Command for 30 years combined Active and Reserve and visited Scott AFB and met a couple of the 4 Stars. You put into words how we all feel, Thank You! My wife was an Aeromed nurse and served at Landshule Hospital where they brought our heroes back from the battlefield. I had the privilege of visiting her there and seeing them being brought in to the hospital and visiting them in the wards.

[@rydonsadd]

as former military myself, and having been deployed, I am moved by your thoughtfulness and gratitude for our military members! Thank you for sharing, for everyone, your personal experience being with them.

[@NedHealy]

I recently retired from the Army, spent years in Iraq and Afghanistan. have loved this book and Simon’s talks related to it. Hearing the origin story really drives it home even more. Thank you for this Simon, You are the best storyteller and we are lucky to have you.

[@matthamilton8479]

Hooah! The brotherhood and sisterhood is real, authentic, genuine, and unconditional. Thank you for casting a little light on this side of the military. Until I joined, I didn't understand. As a veteran, I know that ANY veteran or active duty service member at any rank, position, or post has my back.

[@danielpayne1597]

In my first year as a manager, I made it my goal to take care of my team and help everyone work in such a way that I and the whole team could hold our heads up high. I made some mistakes but my subordinates trusted me and worked hard to improve. I got an underperforming team to become the top team on my project within three months. But then the higher ups added more things to do and there was never much structure for supporting the boots on the ground. I did what I could to help and let people know that "management cares" as best I could. For my troubles, I was told that wasn't my job and that I was underperforming. I just narrowly avoided being put on a PIP before accepting a demotion. I guess in my case leaders just don't eat. Maybe I didn't "wring the towel" hard enough. I'm done giving my best to this company. Just fuck it.

[@SCAR16L]

That's Korporate Amerika for you. They'll gladly throw their own people in a wood chipper if it'll get them another dollar in their bonus. I deal with that shit every day. Lives are on the line, and they cut every corner they can so they look good in a report and get another quarter percent on their bonus. Then they try to use bullshit corporate jargon and words like family and brotherhood to get you to push your people beyond making goals and into "Management looks like rock stars" territory. I just left a position that I'm damn good at, on a crew that's full of great guys and can put up amazing numbers, because I got sick of management abusing my guys so they can look good on a report. And I won't go back again next year. They can fall on their face and struggle every day, IDGAF. I'm sick of getting my guys to do 150% just so we can be treated like rented mules. Korporate Amerika knows NOTHING about leadership, and I'm sick to death of hearing them talk about it.

[@guesswho5197]

True leaders not only eat last, but are also last in all things that are worth doing. Including showers, getting mail, having access to emails even drinking water. A true leader will even give his water to a troop that has none to make sure that the troop is well cared for. Leaders serve their people in all things all the time.

[@stephenhawkins3316]

Now you know what we know. Appreciate it.

[@6panzer]

So few civilians ever say soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. Civilians just call all of us soldiers. Thank you so much for really studying us. Thank you for taking to time to understand and appreciate us.

[@jimeaston3325]

Simon, welcome to the Brother hood. It's the man or woman on your left and right. You can't buy it, because it's not for sale, you can't individually own it, because it belongs to all your brothers and sisters. You love them because they become family, through hardship, fear and pain. You got the message Simon and you tell it well because you saw it, you felt it, you lived it. Sadly most don't know, or care, what it costs to serve, but you do. The saddest thing you can ever see is someone's "flagged" casket coming home, knowing the broken hearts waiting for their loved one to get back home. And your "mate" gave his all. God bless America and God bless the UK.

[@LostYogi]

go on❤

[@MsAWellwood]

Thank you. This video has met me in a place of disillusionment and I am grateful for the reality check, insight and reminder of what true service leadership looks like.

[@brentonholbrook6928]

Simon, as a former Navy Hospital Corpsman, thank you for sharing this story. Our way of life is often misinterpreted or misrepresented, typically due to politics, even when the military is an apolitical organization. We swear an oath to obey the orders of the President of the United States and the lawful orders of the officers appointed over us. The story you've shared and have personally witnessed is the profound piece of the experiences many of us share that we want told. Some, like you, have difficulty telling those stories but it is imperative that it's spoken. Thank you for saying yes. Thank you for understanding the meaning behind the why.

[@andrewkelly4100]

Thank you

[@markdailey864]

I reenlisted at 45 in the ARNG, with the soul intent of deploying and hopefully allowing someone else to go home or be free from being recycled back in do to horrific toxic effects of stop loss. I reclassified as a 19D Reconnaissance Scout. And was sent to Iraq. At this time my youngest daughter was deployed with the Air Force and so I had some sort of bond with the and let’s face it a majority of younger soldiers. I found myself many a times being sought out by these young warriors, seeking an adult to converse with, that was a natural source. I could not believe how protective and enthralled I became with these magnificent unselfish, fearless individuals. I went on to redeploy until I was wounded and Medically discharged. I on a hourly basis think of these magnificent people and how grateful I was to have had the opportunity to serve with them. I’m 66 now and would do or give anything to do it once again. Peace be upon you all my warrior kin.

[@iblisthemage]

As a Vet, thank you for this. It is all true. But. Having spent 10 years as an officer in a NATO army, and 20 years in a corporate world, I agree that I would trust almost all soldiers including officers with my life, and not a single person i corporate. I would barely trust them with my back. However, the military has a lot a lot of dirt as well, with officers lying up or down, abandoning fellows when they needed support not on the battle field, or hiding mistakes or lies that could ultimately cost lives. The gift of honor is there, but the deception and the lies are also there.

[@bruceleealmighty]

The outliers are in every field of endeavor they just aren't as prevalent, or obvious in the service. Mostly because it is somewhat trained out and brotherhood/familied out of sorts. Much like Band of Brothers, Sobel isn't shunned because he is useless. He is shunned because he lust aggrandizement.

[@JF-fx2qv]

The difference between the two (civilian -vs- military worlds) is the meaning behind the mission. One has real meaning and the other not so much. Take the now war between Israel and Hamas; Israel has more people vested in its survival due to its mandatory military service, the consent attacks from forever neighboring foes, and their small size / location… there’s purpose behind your own survival when others are in the same boat. Compared to America where 0.04% of the population serve now and only 7% living have served. This makes for many in the American population not truly vested and actually are given the freedom to be anti-military etc. These people ( most of our American population ) feel safe to be anti-whatever when they have no skin in the game.

[@John-G]

The only post I've read so far which is honest - as things are, not as we'd like to think they are.

[@adrianalipomi9111]

Thank you for this story, Simon. It was incredibly moving and brought me to a new level of appreciation for our service members.

[@leemajcool]

Simon is an amazing story teller 🎉

[@thestrongmermaid]

Definitely

[@preetijois471]

As a prior CCATT doc and a current burned-out civilian ER doc... truer words have never been spoken. Thank you for speaking about sacrifice and what it means to serve our country.

[@LBrown518]

Oddly , a few weeks ago after listening to one of your talks. I thought WOW this guy loves. Thank You

[@wjfaust]

Incredibly powerful and moving. Thanks for sharing!

[@NathanHarrison7]

Absolutely beautiful raw human emotion. Thank you for sharing. Subscribed.

[@robertdowney970]

I would like to have all my students listen to this and read the "Leaders Eat Last". I'm and Army Brat and proud of it. I love our military and will defend them to my last breath. Thank you for putting into words the feelings of my heart and mind.

[@MuscleCarSolutions]

Raw and beautiful. That's an everlasting love. Once you've had those people in your life, they never ever leave.

[@ObelixBarbatus]

This, I think, is the most insightful, intelligent, deeply moving, contribution by Simon Sinek - ever! I was enthralled from beginning to end, identifying with some of the narrative, getting swept up in the emotion with the recollection of our own war years, and learning. Thank you, Mr Sinek.

[@chrisvalvo4886]

Amazing testimony attesting to what it means to serve. Thank you

[@phillipsparks9690]

Amazing Simon. Thank you for sharing the reality soldiers live through.

[@arlinegeorge6967]

Simon Sinek i felt is indeed a great man who is desperately needed to help people become more human. My prayers and blessings to him and all his loved ones. Pray more humans like him multiply changing humanity to be humans. Love and peace to all

[@joelahnstein2281]

Not only last, but in the days before contract ‘dining halls’ officers checked the menus, made sure they were being followed, and mess sergeants were part of the company they served.

[@gardnert1]

It's not because we love each other. That's a given. It's more because we love all of you.

[@golfistry]

The power of community, friendship and culture that are built upon love. It’s the love that we have for one another, Country and God that help and guide us to form a more perfect Union continuously. May God Bless America and Happy Veterans Day

[@jimpoole6037]

As a military retired physician I was always amazed at the closeness of those in the military or those who served. The story needs to be told and maybe others would both understand and love their fellow man.

[@scottpageusmc]

I still live by that today. Semper Fidelis, USMC 1999-2007 Never Forget

[@theodorearaujo971]

Semper Fidelis.

[@tcmcintosh5256]

In the US Navy, the officers eat separately. For that reason, I did not apply for NROTC. 27 years as an Army Officer was the best decision I ever made.

[@chizitereobioha3032]

This sharing moved me to tears. Didn’t expect this to happen. Thanks for sharing Simon.

[@ashleylemmer8016]

Awesome, thank you Simon.

[@jimr7154]

Awesome story and thank you so much for sharing

[@codys7942]

It's officially called "Troop Welfare" which is where the idea of leaders eating last comes from. Your troops must always be taken care of before the leaders are in order for the leader to be successful. If the team succeeds the leader is recognized for his success. If the team fails the leader is recognized for his failure. The troops are simply an extension of the leader of whom can only be successful if his troops are successful and the best way to help them succeed is making sure that their needs are taken care of before your own.

[@penfold9540]

I'm presuming you're American, please correct me if I'm wrong. I don't know how it is in the American military but in the British when we were on exercises after every meal a section, on a roster, has to provide four/five people for pan bashing (washing up etc). Most sections just upped the required number, our section went there complete (seniors included) and finished it within half a hour rather than 3 - 4 hours. We were a pretty tight section though.

[@John-G]

Hardly being a "successful" leader if you're too tired and hungry to think straight so you've got your soldiers killed, or you've been too busy looking the part waiting to eat last when you should have been doing your job in the Int Cell or the Ops Room or making a de-brief. There's a time and place for leaders to eat last and a time and place for them to eat first, and what makes a unit "successful" is having leaders who realise that.

[@John-G]

​@@penfold9540"seniors" in a section? Not an infantry unit then!

[@user-el3to6ft5o]

Love ! Amen 🙏

[@user-el3to6ft5o]

You are brave. Holding space for someone to share something incredibly emotional is a gift. I'm both glad to hear you share but also for the General to encourage you to go on. 🤗🙏

[@whaley427]

After being commissioned in the British Army for many years, sometimes with tears pouring down my face, I retired and became a church pastor. I can honestly say that I have never felt the same love in the church as I did from the soldiers I served.

[@eleison25]

Thank you for sharing that story and thank you for taking the time to gain , understand and share perspective. SF

[@nigelappleton2963]

Fascinating and very moving. Thank you.

[@theshaw925]

Just amazing.

[@hanswoast7]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[@ethybrightsinks8675]

Thank you so much Simon and as a young man have become a student of leadership.❤️🙏

[@kcchiok]

yes, a situation where there is no choice, no point to panic

[@ZacJenkins-fg3ex]

The only thing worse than this story is having to be the one knocking on a brothers family's door to deliver the news that their loved one wasn't coming home! The absolutely hardest job I ever had trying not to cry while they are to be strong for the family but the second you get back in the car to leave the emotions are unstoppable!!!

[@richardkan8499]

This brought me to tears. I work in industry and very rarely has there been that special bond of togetherness and achieving the same goal

[@danprado3020]

Powerful story.! Thank you.

[@mauricegoz]

"Go on." Thank you, @SimonSinek. And much gratitude for so many, so many for the substance behind this message.

[@kevclaremcd]

Feckin brilliant, a very impressive story.

[@BreakingBarriers2DIY]

Wow. Beautiful.

[@TheCombatartist]

I had a similar experience as a combat artist, yes, artist, with the USAF/CIV. Walked with a OSI DET. through a minefield to gain a true perspective of what these OSI folks are doing. It was all about those who were to the right and left you, warrior ethos, never leave anyone behind. As a former Army NCO, I understood. Our DETACHMENT Commander was a TRUE LEADER! Lead by example. I was so honored to be asked to document their actions through my art.

[@mollybullis6652]

Thank you. This book now brings a deeper appreciation and meaning to me.

[@vawcreations5887]

YOU DID IT AGAIN. I CRIED. THANK YOU S.S. YOU ALWAYS REMINDS ME WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A HUMAN.