Leaders Eat Last

By Ray Peters, MS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Every time I consider a topic for this bi-monthly column, my mind immediately starts racing through my memory, hoping to identify and select examples from my personal experiences to help “make real” the concepts I present for the reader’s consumption.

In this instance, as I started considering topics for this column, my thoughts were drawn to a U. S. Marine Corps tradition entitled, “Officers Eat Last.” It is my understanding that this practice is not memorialized in any regulation or code of conduct. It has evolved as an organizational norm over the years, becoming part of the fabric of “The Corps.” As we recently discussed in my leadership class, it has become an integrated part of the culture.

The practice of officers eating last is an excellent example of what is known as Servant Leadership. According to our textbook, Introduction to Leadership by Peter G. Northouse,  “Servant leadership emphasizes the ‘caring principle’ with leaders as ‘servants’ who focus on their followers’ needs in order to help those followers become more autonomous, knowledgeable, and like servants themselves.”

Over the years, I have attempted to follow this exact practice, even though, as a senior leader, I was often encouraged to move to the front of the serving line. Sometimes it is impossible to move the back of the line; nonetheless, I practice it whenever possible.

I vividly recall how upset I became when I witnessed one of my so-called HR leaders jump into a luncheon line ahead of the individuals who were being celebrated at a special event. I was relatively new in my role with that organization and had not begun to establish the norms or standards of conduct for my reports. I assure you, shortly after that, we had the discussion – Leaders Eat Last.

On a separate occasion, we were celebrating another group of team members’ recent success. The event was at our corporate office. I immediately recognized that the caterer under-prepared for dinner. I shared my observations with my fellow leaders, and we disbursed around the room to socialize with the attendees, not drawing attention to the issue at hand. Sure enough, as the last team members fixed their plates, the caterer ran out of steaks. How embarrassing would it have been if the honorees did not receive their meals? Leaders Eat Last.

I am reasonably sure that if those who already enjoyed their meal had known that the steaks were running out, several would have offered to share his/her steak with those not receiving one. However, that is not the point. It was all about honoring those being recognized.

My message to leaders, sure, with rank and position, every subordinate employee around you would never object to their leader “eating first,” but wouldn’t it be a remarkable statement of recognition when you step back and allow them to “eat” first. Leaders Eat Last.

Ray Peters is MBA Director & Leadership Instructor at Nicholls State University. He can be reached at ray.peters@nicholls.edu. •