Leaders Eat Last

Have you ever felt the difference between a workplace that values its people and one that seems to treat them merely as cogs in a machine? That difference can be profound, shaping how we feel about our jobs, our colleagues, and ourselves. When we sense that we matter, we tap into deeper reserves of dedication and commitment.

This book explores how leaders who look after their teams can spark an atmosphere of mutual care and trust. When safety is established, performance soars and problems are tackled proactively. People feel inspired to share ideas and safeguard one another’s well-being.

Though modern workplaces can get entangled in metrics and quarterly goals, we all crave a sense of belonging and purpose. Creating meaningful work relationships nourishes that craving. It also helps us stay resilient in times of economic uncertainty and organizational stress.

In these pages, you’ll discover how genuine leadership—rooted in empathy, responsibility, and service—empowers others to do their best. From eye-opening stories of military teams to everyday office experiences, you’ll learn why trust truly is at the heart of high-performing groups.

Imagine working in a place where you never have to watch your back. Colleagues speak honestly, and leaders keep you informed. This feeling of protection, referred to as the Circle of Safety, evokes the natural sense of security we once relied on in small, close-knit communities.

When leaders expand that circle to encompass everyone, trust and camaraderie flourish. People become invested in each other’s success rather than competing at every turn. The Circle of Safety means we don’t waste energy fending off internal threats; instead, we combine efforts to face external ones.

Yet, in many organizations, fear and cynicism dominate. Layoffs or relentless internal politics push us into survival mode. This undercuts cooperation. The circle shrinks because people cannot rely on their leaders to have their back, nor can they confidently trust their teammates.

Building a strong Circle of Safety requires leaders to share information, listen carefully to concerns, and maintain clear accountability. It’s a long-term investment but yields powerful returns in innovation, loyalty, and adaptability—benefits that far exceed short-term financial wins.