Patrick Lee
MSD 401C
16 October 2017
Leadership: A Commitment Though the definition of good leadership can be subjective, Simon Sinek argues that an essential aspect of leadership includes compassion, empathy, and sacrifice. Leadership is a commitment that comes at a price. The author believes that leaders aren’t born, but made. In Leaders Eat Last, Sinek explores what it means to be a true leader and how to create a “circle of safety” within an organization. Empathy is a quality that distinguishes a leader. As Sinek puts it, “The rank of office is not what makes someone a leader. Leadership is the choice to serve others with or without any formal rank.” Many authorities in different organizations may be tolerated by those under him/her, …show more content…
These include endorphin, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin which are what he calls the “happy chemicals.” Endorphin and dopamine are considered the chemicals of progress. Though they help people achieve their goals they are highly addictive and can be detrimental in high dosages. Serotonin and Oxytocin are chemicals of contribution and help manage the two chemicals mentioned before. Also mentioned is the chemical cortisol which is referred to as the “big selfish chemical.” Cortisol is a chemical activated by stress and is a fundamental phase of the flight or fight response. Cortisol weakens the immune system and stops growth. It is important to understand how these chemicals work in the brain to curate a leadership style to promote these happy chemicals and discourage the activation of cortisol in the workplace. It is the responsibility of a leader to utilize the comprehension of these chemicals to motivate and develop subordinates to attain their goals and better themselves. It is crucial for leaders to understand that their responsibility lies in the performance of his people, not the organization. Without the people it consists of, and organization can’t …show more content…
Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage are vital characteristics every leader should display both in the military and civilian sector. Leaders eat last because they care for their subordinates. According to Lt. General George Flynn of the USMC, “the cost of leadership is self-interest.” It is the leader’s responsibility and duty to go out of his/her way to protect his/her subordinates. A leader expresses empathy to those under his command and he gains trust and respect from them in return. Good leaders sacrifice their time, comfort, and credit for those under their command. This willingness to put their subordinates’ interests before their own makes their organization stronger and closer. The sense of belonging can make a world of a difference when it comes to establishing a stalwart organization. Leadership comes at a cost but it also comes with its rewards. A leader gains the respect, trust, and boundless support from his/her subordinates. Once a mutual trust and shared understanding is established, the organization will run like a well-oiled
MSD 401C
16 October 2017
Leadership: A Commitment Though the definition of good leadership can be subjective, Simon Sinek argues that an essential aspect of leadership includes compassion, empathy, and sacrifice. Leadership is a commitment that comes at a price. The author believes that leaders aren’t born, but made. In Leaders Eat Last, Sinek explores what it means to be a true leader and how to create a “circle of safety” within an organization. Empathy is a quality that distinguishes a leader. As Sinek puts it, “The rank of office is not what makes someone a leader. Leadership is the choice to serve others with or without any formal rank.” Many authorities in different organizations may be tolerated by those under him/her, …show more content…
These include endorphin, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin which are what he calls the “happy chemicals.” Endorphin and dopamine are considered the chemicals of progress. Though they help people achieve their goals they are highly addictive and can be detrimental in high dosages. Serotonin and Oxytocin are chemicals of contribution and help manage the two chemicals mentioned before. Also mentioned is the chemical cortisol which is referred to as the “big selfish chemical.” Cortisol is a chemical activated by stress and is a fundamental phase of the flight or fight response. Cortisol weakens the immune system and stops growth. It is important to understand how these chemicals work in the brain to curate a leadership style to promote these happy chemicals and discourage the activation of cortisol in the workplace. It is the responsibility of a leader to utilize the comprehension of these chemicals to motivate and develop subordinates to attain their goals and better themselves. It is crucial for leaders to understand that their responsibility lies in the performance of his people, not the organization. Without the people it consists of, and organization can’t …show more content…
Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage are vital characteristics every leader should display both in the military and civilian sector. Leaders eat last because they care for their subordinates. According to Lt. General George Flynn of the USMC, “the cost of leadership is self-interest.” It is the leader’s responsibility and duty to go out of his/her way to protect his/her subordinates. A leader expresses empathy to those under his command and he gains trust and respect from them in return. Good leaders sacrifice their time, comfort, and credit for those under their command. This willingness to put their subordinates’ interests before their own makes their organization stronger and closer. The sense of belonging can make a world of a difference when it comes to establishing a stalwart organization. Leadership comes at a cost but it also comes with its rewards. A leader gains the respect, trust, and boundless support from his/her subordinates. Once a mutual trust and shared understanding is established, the organization will run like a well-oiled