I’ve been a student of leadership for more than 30 years. I’ve written four books on
leadership. It’s my passion and it runs deep.
This week
I’d like to share some of my favorite leadership quotes with you. Narrowing it
down to just 25 was a challenge because there are so many good ones. In no
particular order here they are- enjoy.
1. “The first responsibility of a leader
is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a
servant.” —Max DePree
Serving others is the cardinal point of leadership.
2. “Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful, concerned citizens can change world.
Indeed it is the only thing that
ever has.” —Margaret Mead
Leaders
can accomplish a lot more with a team than they can by themselves.
3. “Become the kind of leader that
people would follow voluntarily; even if you had no title
or position.” —Brian Tracy
True
leaders understand that it’s not about titles.
4. “A man who wants to lead the
orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.” —Max Lucado
As a leader you have to be willing
to stand alone.
5. “If your actions inspire others to
dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” —John
Quincy Adams
Your actions should always inspire and bring
out the best in others.
6. “Leadership is a potent combination
of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the
strategy.” —Norman Schwarzkopf
Character is the most important
quality in leadership.
7. “The greatest leaders mobilize others
by coalescing people around a shared vision.” —Ken Blanchard
When leaders put forth a
compelling vision people will follow.
8. “Management is doing things right;
leadership is doing the right things.” -Peter Drucker
Management is easy; leadership
is hard. Be a leader.
9. “Leadership and learning are
indispensable to each other.” -John F. Kennedy
Leaders never stop learning,
growing, and developing.
10. “Good leadership consists of showing
average people how to do the work of superior people.” -John D. Rockefeller
Leaders inspire others to do great
things.
11. “Leadership is unlocking people's
potential to become better.” -Bill Bradley
Leaders inspire others to be better people.
12. “Leadership is the capacity to
translate vision into reality.” -Warren Bennis
A leader will help others connect the dots and see where they
are going.
13. “Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame
is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.” - John Wooden
The mark of a good leader is humility and in recognizing
where all gifts come from.
14. “The leader is the one who climbs the
tallest tree, surveys the entire situation, and yells, “Wrong jungle!”” –
Stephen R. Covey
Leaders are not afraid to admit their
mistakes. Keep charging!
15. “I learned that if you aren’t willing
to put yourself in “this is crazy” situations, you’ll never experience “this is
awesome” moments.” – Mark Batterson
Leaders are willing to take risks
to achieve their goals and dreams.
16. “The race to be a leader is crowded,
but the field is wide open for those willing to be servants.” – Rick Warren
Servant leadership is the essence of true leadership.
17. “Your present circumstances don’t
determine where you can go, they merely determine
where you start.” – Nido Qubein
Never underestimate your
God-given talents and abilities.
18. “You’re the same today as you’ll be
in five years except for two things: the people you meet and the books you
read.” – Charlie “Tremendous” Jones
Broaden your circle and never stop
growing.
19. “A good head and a good heart are
always a formidable combination.” – Nelson Mandela
It’s not always about what you know
– it’s how you apply it and how you treat people.
20. “Surround yourself with the best
people you can find, delegate authority, and don’t interfere as long as the
policy you’ve decided upon is being carried out.” – Ronald Reagan
A smart leader will empower his or her people and get out of
the way.
21. “You are never too old to set another
goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
What goal and dream are you
pursuing?
22. “Don’t let the voice of other’s
opinions drown out your own inner voice.” – Steve Jobs
There is a lot of chatter out
there. Be true to yourself and trust your instincts.
23. “Effective leaders know that you
first have to touch people’s hearts before you ask them for a hand” – John
Maxwell
Always connect with the heart first.
24. “Your attitude, not your aptitude,
will determine your altitude.” - Zig Ziglar
Your attitude will make you or
break you. Choose it wisely.
25. “As a leader sometimes you will have
to defy the critics and ignore the experts and just do what’s in your heart.”
–Doug Dickerson (Just for good measure)
What’s in your heart?
© 2016 Doug
Dickerson
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