Category: Simon Sinek

  • Change your future

    5 Transformative Lessons from Simon Sinek to Change Your Future

    Here are five lessons that stand out:

    Lesson One: Forge Your Own Path, But Let Others Do the Same

    The Road Less Travelled

    Sinek emphasizes that you are free to chase your dreams and ambitions, but this freedom should extend to everyone else. In a world that often follows the beaten path, daring to take the road less travelled can be liberating.

    The Balance of Individualism and Community

    While it’s essential to focus on your goals, it’s equally crucial to respect others’ journeys. This balance creates a harmonious community where everyone can thrive.

    Lesson Two: Own Your Actions, Both Good and Bad

    The Double-Edged Sword of Responsibility

    Taking credit for your achievements is easy; owning up to your mistakes is the real challenge. Sinek advises that true leadership involves taking responsibility for both.

    The Growth in Accountability

    When you hold yourself accountable, you not only earn the respect of those around you but also pave the way for personal growth and improvement.

    Lesson Three: Be a “Lead Worrier” by Supporting Those Around You

    The Essence of Leadership

    According to Sinek, a true leader worries about their team. Leadership is not about being in charge but about taking care of those in your charge.

    The Power of Collective Success

    When you focus on helping the person to your left and the person to your right, you create a supportive environment that fosters collective success.

    Lesson Four: Listen Before You Act

    The Value of Being Heard

    Sinek points out that allowing others to speak before you do gives them a sense of being heard, which is empowering and fosters a collaborative spirit.

    The Wisdom in Listening

    By being the last to speak, you also benefit from hearing multiple perspectives, which can lead to better decision-making.

    Lesson Five: Position vs. Person

    The Illusion of Importance

    As you climb the ladder of success, people will treat you differently. Sinek cautions that this newfound respect is for your position, not for you as a person.

    The Humility in Leadership

    Being grateful for the accolades and respect that come your way is important, but remembering that these are not a reflection of your worth as a person is crucial for grounded leadership.

  • Why Leaders should eat last

    Table of Contents

    Summary

    The Video and book of the same title explores the concept of effective leadership, emphasizing that great leaders create an environment based on trust and collaboration, where team members feel safe and valued.

    Key Points:

    1. Circle of Safety: Sinek introduces the idea that effective leaders create a ‘Circle of Safety’ where employees feel protected and are thus more willing to collaborate and innovate.
    2. Chemical Incentives: The book discusses biological factors like endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, explaining how they contribute to feelings of happiness and safety, or stress and self-interest, in the workplace.
    3. Empathy and Trust: Good leaders prioritize the well-being of their team over numbers or results. This fosters trust and a strong sense of community, which ultimately benefits the organization.
    4. Long-term vs Short-term: Sinek warns against short-term thinking, like prioritizing quarterly results over long-term well-being. Such an approach can break the ‘Circle of Safety’ and negatively impact employee morale.
    5. The Role of Leaders: A good leader is willing to sacrifice their own interests to protect and benefit those under their care. Hence, “Leaders Eat Last.”
    6. Organizational Culture: A strong culture is one where everyone feels like they belong, which leads to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
    7. Adapt and Overcome: Great leaders are those who can adapt to new challenges while keeping the ‘Circle of Safety’ intact. They’re not resistant to change but approach it in a way that minimizes danger to their team.
    8. Think of being a manager as being a parent,look after your people , lead by listening , help people grow and develop , support, protect and prioritize people

    In summary, the book argues that exceptional leadership is about creating a culture of trust and safety, which results in more successful, engaged, and happy team members. This is achieved through a long-term focus, empathy, and a willingness to place the needs of the team before one’s own, epitomized by the phrase “Leaders Eat Last.”

    Circle of Safety

    This is a powerful image of the Circle of safety

  • What makes a Great Manager?

    Taken from

    Table of Contents

    Interestingly, when i created this page i started by calling it “Good Managers” but i like the term “Great Managers” better.

    Borrowing an Abbreviation from one of my Managers and adding my own twist.

    V.V.P.S.T ( Visible, Vocal , Positive, Safe and Trusted)

    Be Visible

    Be Vocal

    Be Positive

    Make people feel Safe and Trusted (see the above You Tube Video by Simon Sinek)

    A few Additions i have learnt along the way

    small things – give people recognition tell them well done, sometimes small things can be very powerful one that sticks in my mind was turning up to shift work on Xmas Eve on my own covering 3 datacenters and monitoring 100 of computer systems to find by boss had left be a 2£ Xmas selection box

    really listen and take an interest in people

    understand what makes different people tick.

    don’t let other people pass their problem on their back to you, empower colleagues to make their own decisions.

    Other Reading

    See all the other posts in the management category.