YEAH, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno always eats last. Literally. I noticed this during the six months that we were on the campaign trail during the 2022 national election, where we all lost. He would check on everyone first — the security, drivers, staff — before he eats his favorite requested dish, adobo. There is something in that behavior that is consistent with his leadership style. I knew it well because at that time, I had already read the book “Leaders Eat Last” by best-selling author and thought leader Simon Sinek.
Simon Sinek says it
Simon Sinek’s title “Leaders Eat Last” is inspired by the practice of military officers eating last to ensure their team is fed and cared for first. The book explores the concept of servant leadership, where leaders prioritize their team’s well-being and success, creating a culture of trust, collaboration and shared purpose.
Leaders are the ones willing to look out for those around them. They are the ones who are willing to give up something of their own for us. Their time, their energy, their money, maybe even the food off their plate. When it matters, leaders choose to eat last. The selfless nature of true leaders prioritizes their team’s needs over their own.
When leaders eat last, they show their commitment to the success of their team. They lead by example, demonstrating that they are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the well-being and success of their followers. This emphasizes the importance of leaders putting their team’s interests first.
Mayor Isko eats last
Present during his inauguration as returning city mayor of the country’s capital, I once again became firsthand witness to his leadership character, confirming my personal experience as a businessman of Manila and as witness to his personality during our campaign.
I shall integrate here the quotes (in quotation marks) from the book and how it connects with the leadership that Mayor Isko has demonstrated and seems to have mastered through decades of public service.
Integrity, honesty and accountability
These are the components of trust, according to Sinek, and “trust is a biological reaction to the belief that someone has our well-being at heart.” Isko communicates with his heart. His eloquent public speaking skills connect with emotions that are deep within. He may be an actor but he is past acting. There is authenticity in his words, congruent body language and gifted with his powerful paralanguage.
“Building trust requires nothing more than telling the truth.” His inaugural speech dared to tell the evidence-based truth that named names and fierce about making those he named accountable as he commits to bring them to justice. He was frank enough to even warn the councilors — naked, right on their faces — about their liability. The barangay chairperson, in another hall, may have had tachycardia after the similar warning was unleashed.
“Leadership is not a license to do less; it is a responsibility to do more.” Mayor Isko knew he may lose some but risk it all in the interest of pursuing a culture of integrity and honesty.
When he admitted that the doubled pension of the senior citizens is not sustainable, and apologized that he intends to reduce it, the senior citizens were smiling and applauding.
Teamwork and collaboration
“The ability of a group of people to do remarkable things hinges on how well those people pull together as a team. Innovation is the result of a corporate culture of collaboration and sharing,” says Sinek.
Mayor Isko echoes his commitment to cleaning up not just the streets (which took place even before he assumed office) but also the city government, promoting transparency and accountability. “We will not only clean up the streets, we will also clean up City Hall,” reiterating his pledge to reform the city government and ensure efficient public service.
He was even blunt when he said, “Tayo po ay nabuhay sa alamat ng sapat na pananalapi (We have been living in the fairy tale of fiscal solvency).” He appealed to address the city’s financial challenges and the need for realistic budgeting. And he “begged” for support.
Personal growth and responsibility
Sinek writes that “we are not victims of our situation. We are the architects of it. And that responsibility is not doing as we are told, that’s obedience. Responsibility is doing what is right. Taking responsibility for one’s actions must happen at the time you perform your actions, not at the time you get caught.” Mayor Isko asks. “Why do we believe we can make Manila great again?” And he has an answer: “Because we have every reason to believe we can.” Expressing his confidence in making Manila a better city. And this statement was followed by a roaring round of applause, even infecting those who may not be, at that moment, on his side.
Work culture and environment
“Good people are not born, they are nurtured and developed within a supportive environment,” believes Sinek. “If good people are asked to work in a bad culture, one in which leaders do not relinquish control, then the odds of something bad happening go up.” Here is where Mayor Isko narrated his street-level governance. “We begin [o]n the streets,” as he emphasized his focus on addressing everyday issues like cleanliness, traffic and public safety.
Then he stated a clear vision where everyone may share: “Garbage must be collected. Crime must be stopped. Potholes must be filled. Dark streets must be lighted. These are doable, immediate and urgent,” highlighting his priorities for the city. He admitted that it will be challenging but, without batting an eyelash, he believes it will be done.
Inspiring leadership
“Let us all be the leaders we wish we had. If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” These quotes highlight Simon Sinek’s perspectives on leadership, trust, teamwork, personal growth and work culture.
Mayor Isko Moreno is far from being a hero or a saint, he is a sinner like anyone of us. But his shining moment was the pandemic period where he was visibly rendering service and ensuring the needs of his constituents. He may have prematurely run for president and did not make it. But his return to the City of Manila, with an overwhelming mandate against an incumbent, will give him the chance not only to serve as he promises and envisions, but also to create a model of local governance that infuses hope to every Filipino.
When a leader eats last, the followers feel valued and cared for. But when the food is poisoned, the leader is saved. Having known Mayor Isko, up close and personal, he truly cares. He leads. What excites me to see is how he will amplify himself — as a former squatter, sexy actor, caring father, good husband, genuine friend — a person with roots so deep, with looks so adorable, with personality so lovable, with dreams so high and faith so anchored.
We can’t help but wish and pray for all leaders well, as we hold on to a currency we can hold on to — hope.
-END-
SOURCE: The Manila Times
Simon Sinek says it
Simon Sinek’s title “Leaders Eat Last” is inspired by the practice of military officers eating last to ensure their team is fed and cared for first. The book explores the concept of servant leadership, where leaders prioritize their team’s well-being and success, creating a culture of trust, collaboration and shared purpose.
Leaders are the ones willing to look out for those around them. They are the ones who are willing to give up something of their own for us. Their time, their energy, their money, maybe even the food off their plate. When it matters, leaders choose to eat last. The selfless nature of true leaders prioritizes their team’s needs over their own.
When leaders eat last, they show their commitment to the success of their team. They lead by example, demonstrating that they are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the well-being and success of their followers. This emphasizes the importance of leaders putting their team’s interests first.
Mayor Isko eats last
Present during his inauguration as returning city mayor of the country’s capital, I once again became firsthand witness to his leadership character, confirming my personal experience as a businessman of Manila and as witness to his personality during our campaign.
I shall integrate here the quotes (in quotation marks) from the book and how it connects with the leadership that Mayor Isko has demonstrated and seems to have mastered through decades of public service.
Integrity, honesty and accountability
These are the components of trust, according to Sinek, and “trust is a biological reaction to the belief that someone has our well-being at heart.” Isko communicates with his heart. His eloquent public speaking skills connect with emotions that are deep within. He may be an actor but he is past acting. There is authenticity in his words, congruent body language and gifted with his powerful paralanguage.
“Building trust requires nothing more than telling the truth.” His inaugural speech dared to tell the evidence-based truth that named names and fierce about making those he named accountable as he commits to bring them to justice. He was frank enough to even warn the councilors — naked, right on their faces — about their liability. The barangay chairperson, in another hall, may have had tachycardia after the similar warning was unleashed.
“Leadership is not a license to do less; it is a responsibility to do more.” Mayor Isko knew he may lose some but risk it all in the interest of pursuing a culture of integrity and honesty.
When he admitted that the doubled pension of the senior citizens is not sustainable, and apologized that he intends to reduce it, the senior citizens were smiling and applauding.
Teamwork and collaboration
“The ability of a group of people to do remarkable things hinges on how well those people pull together as a team. Innovation is the result of a corporate culture of collaboration and sharing,” says Sinek.
Mayor Isko echoes his commitment to cleaning up not just the streets (which took place even before he assumed office) but also the city government, promoting transparency and accountability. “We will not only clean up the streets, we will also clean up City Hall,” reiterating his pledge to reform the city government and ensure efficient public service.
He was even blunt when he said, “Tayo po ay nabuhay sa alamat ng sapat na pananalapi (We have been living in the fairy tale of fiscal solvency).” He appealed to address the city’s financial challenges and the need for realistic budgeting. And he “begged” for support.
Personal growth and responsibility
Sinek writes that “we are not victims of our situation. We are the architects of it. And that responsibility is not doing as we are told, that’s obedience. Responsibility is doing what is right. Taking responsibility for one’s actions must happen at the time you perform your actions, not at the time you get caught.” Mayor Isko asks. “Why do we believe we can make Manila great again?” And he has an answer: “Because we have every reason to believe we can.” Expressing his confidence in making Manila a better city. And this statement was followed by a roaring round of applause, even infecting those who may not be, at that moment, on his side.
Work culture and environment
“Good people are not born, they are nurtured and developed within a supportive environment,” believes Sinek. “If good people are asked to work in a bad culture, one in which leaders do not relinquish control, then the odds of something bad happening go up.” Here is where Mayor Isko narrated his street-level governance. “We begin [o]n the streets,” as he emphasized his focus on addressing everyday issues like cleanliness, traffic and public safety.
Then he stated a clear vision where everyone may share: “Garbage must be collected. Crime must be stopped. Potholes must be filled. Dark streets must be lighted. These are doable, immediate and urgent,” highlighting his priorities for the city. He admitted that it will be challenging but, without batting an eyelash, he believes it will be done.
Inspiring leadership
“Let us all be the leaders we wish we had. If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” These quotes highlight Simon Sinek’s perspectives on leadership, trust, teamwork, personal growth and work culture.
Mayor Isko Moreno is far from being a hero or a saint, he is a sinner like anyone of us. But his shining moment was the pandemic period where he was visibly rendering service and ensuring the needs of his constituents. He may have prematurely run for president and did not make it. But his return to the City of Manila, with an overwhelming mandate against an incumbent, will give him the chance not only to serve as he promises and envisions, but also to create a model of local governance that infuses hope to every Filipino.
When a leader eats last, the followers feel valued and cared for. But when the food is poisoned, the leader is saved. Having known Mayor Isko, up close and personal, he truly cares. He leads. What excites me to see is how he will amplify himself — as a former squatter, sexy actor, caring father, good husband, genuine friend — a person with roots so deep, with looks so adorable, with personality so lovable, with dreams so high and faith so anchored.
We can’t help but wish and pray for all leaders well, as we hold on to a currency we can hold on to — hope.
-END-
SOURCE: The Manila Times