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106 Quotes on How to Be an Effective and Inspiring Leader

Bright Drops
Whether you got to the top through hard work or luck, you need to find
the right way to inspire people. If people feel like you aren’t leading
them anywhere, then they won’t help you get anywhere. These
leadership quotes will inspire you and give you the right words to say so
that your followers can get behind you.

So you’ve got a bunch of people looking to you for that all-inspiring

moment. Here’s a list of things to say and do to get people headed in
the right direction.

1. Ike Eisenhower on the Art of Motivation.

"Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to
do because they want to do it." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

“Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to

do because they want to do it.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

True leadership is about getting results. If you are a great leader,

people will want to please you. They will want to follow your lead.
When you master the art of motivation, you will find that you do very
little incentivizing and very little arm twisting.

2. John Quincy Adams on Leading by Doing.

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and
become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and
become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams

You lead by doing. When others see that you are going the right way,
they automatically want to follow you because they know you’re
heading in the right direction. Think about the leaders you followed in
your peer group or on your sports team.

3. John C. Maxwell on the Way.

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the
way." - John C. Maxwell

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the
way.” – John C. Maxwell

It’s not enough to tell people what to do. You must first know the
direction you need to go. Even then, words aren’t powerful. You have
to start leading the way. Others will follow your lead because they
watch you blaze the trail.

4. Alexander the Great on Sheep and Lions.

"I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an
army of sheep led by a lion." - Alexander the Great
“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an
army of sheep led by a lion.” – Alexander the Great

If you are too timid as a leader, you will be devoured. Even if everyone
around you is more experienced and more knowledgeable, you must
lead with strength. Being a lion is about being strong, but it’s also about
getting the lionesses to do your bidding.

5. Mandela on Leading from Behind.

"It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially
when you celebrate victory when nice things occur." - Nelson Mandela

“It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially
when you celebrate victory when nice things occur.” – Nelson Mandela

Many people talk about leading from the front. Nelson Mandela points
out that you must put others first. You always highlight what your
subordinates are doing and how well they are doing it. That’s true
leadership.

6. Mandela on When to Lead from the Front.

"You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will
appreciate your leadership." - Nelson Mandela

“You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will
appreciate your leadership.” – Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela does know that there are times you have to take the
lead. When you are going into a bad situation, that’s when you put
others in the passenger seat and take charge. The best thing you can do
as a leader, is take all the heat and take none of the praise.

7. Ray Kroc on Standards.

"The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for
themselves." - Ray Kroc

“The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for

themselves.” – Ray Kroc

Ray Kroc built the McDonald’s empire on his standards. Whether he

meant to or not, he built an entire multi-billion dollar industry in fast
food. You pave the way for success or failure with the standards you
set.

8. JFK on Learning to Lead.

"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." - John F.
Kennedy

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” – John F.

Kennedy
You must continue to learn. Never forget that you had to learn a lot
before you were a leader. Your people will give you ideas. Don’t just
accommodate them by hearing them. Listen and take into account
those words. You might learn some new things.

9. Steve Jobs on Innovation.

"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." - Steve
Jobs

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve

Jobs

If you wait for someone to tell you how to lead or how to get things
done, you’ll never be a leader. The best leaders are those who pave the
way for themselves, and those following them. You have to take charge
and show everyone where they’re going and how to get there.

10. Steve Jobs on Quality.

"Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment
where excellence is expected." - Steve Jobs

“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment

where excellence is expected.” – Steve Jobs
If you expect excellence as your standard, people will rise to meet that
expectation. Whether it’s in a classroom, on a sports field, or in the
workplace, people will always rise to meet the expectation of their
superior. If you set it low, you’ll get low results.

11. Lao Tzu on Being Invisible.

"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is
done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves." - Lao Tzu

“A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is
done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” – Lao Tzu

When people get credit for their individual accomplishments, it makes

you look good. Some leaders, the bad ones, demand that they take all
the glory for every accomplishment great or small. It’s best if your
people don’t even realize they need you. They’ll work harder if they
think they are working for themselves.

12. Henry Ford on Doing What You Think.

"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're
right." - Henry Ford

“If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re
right.” – Henry Ford
This is a phrase you can use with your team. You can apply this to
yourself and your team. Once you have something set in your mind, it’s
done. So, if you are thinking negative, you’ll get a negative result. Make
sure you have the right determination.

13. Napoleon on Hope.

"A leader is a dealer in hope." - Napoleon Bonaparte

“A leader is a dealer in hope.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

When you are dealing with your team, you must always instill a sense
of hope. You should never let them know that the odds are
insurmountable. We remember Napoleon as a tyrant, but he was a
much loved leader for a very long time.

14. Arnold Glasow on a Good Leader.

"A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little
less than his share of the credit." - Arnold H. Glasow

“A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little
less than his share of the credit.” – Arnold H. Glasow

Similar to other leaders, Glasow keeps it straight and honest. Leaders

have to take the brunt of the failure. The good news is that when you
take that hit, your team will have even more respect for you.
15. George Washington Carver on Vision.
"Where there is no vision, there is no hope." - George Washington
Carver

“Where there is no vision, there is no hope.” – George Washington

Carver

Here’s another phrase you can use with those you are leading. You can
give your team this as part of their mantra. If they don’t keep the end in
mind, they will lose focus. Always keep the end in mind so that you
know where you’re going.

16. Management Versus Leadership According to Peter Drucker.

"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things."
- Peter Drucker

“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right

things.” – Peter Drucker

It’s important to manage. However, don’t get confused and

micromanage. You have to trust your team to do things right. You must
focus your efforts on doing the right things. In all situations, you must
focus on the big picture.
17. Management Versus Leadership According to Tom Peters.
"Management is about arranging and telling. Leadership is about
nurturing and enhancing." - Tom Peters

“Management is about arranging and telling. Leadership is about

nurturing and enhancing.” – Tom Peters

Tom Peters emphasizes the same thing that we hear echoed in many of
these leadership quotes. You must always lead, not manage.
Management is usually something that is natural. You need to be sure
that you focus your efforts on those traits of leaders.

18. Teddy Roosevelt on Big Sticks.

"Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." - Theodore
Roosevelt

“Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” – Theodore
Roosevelt

Choose your words wisely. You don’t have to talk constantly to lead.
How many times have you heard the manager yelling at a restaurant
only to slow the process down? Instead, say as little as possible. The big
stick is being firm when you must be.

19. Ronald Reagan on Seeing the Light.

"When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat." -
Ronald Reagan

“When you can’t make them see the light, make them feel the heat.” –
Ronald Reagan

From time to time, you do have to manage. At that point, you have to
make sure your people know you’re their boss, not their friend. It’s
great to fill them with visions of sugar plums, but they have to know
that there are consequences for under performing.

20. Roy Disney on Clear Values.

"When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier."
- Roy E. Disney

“When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.”
– Roy E. Disney

Yet another mantra for your entire team. When your entire team has
the same values, everyone has the same goals in mind. Your decisions
are simple and every member of your team can be trusted to make
decisions that are in line with your goals

21. Henry Ford on Finding Remedies.

"Don't find fault, find a remedy." - Henry Ford
“Don’t find fault, find a remedy.” – Henry Ford

This is a great refrain to team members that are struggling to get on

board. This is the type of leadership quote that can be written in board
rooms from now to eternity. When someone is so focused on flaws,
they forget that they need to fix them.

22. Teddy Roosevelt on Leading.

"People ask the difference between a leader and a boss. The leader
leads, and the boss drives." - Theodore Roosevelt

“People ask the difference between a leader and a boss. The leader
leads, and the boss drives.” – Theodore Roosevelt

The literal definition of leader is one who leads. You must take charge
of the team and lead them on the journey. If you just drive them to
wear they need to be, you are managing them or bossing them around,
but you aren’t really leading.

23. Thomas Aquinas on Preserving the Ship.

"If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would
keep it in port forever." - Thomas Aquinas
“If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would
keep it in port forever.” – Thomas Aquinas

As a leader, you have to take risks. The very idea of taking having the
ship, is to take it out to sea. If you only do what’s best for the team or
the company, you’ll never go out there and do anything. You’ll sit and
wait for things to happen for you.

24. Henry Kissinger on the Task of a Leader.

"The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to
where they have not been." - Henry A. Kissinger

“The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to
where they have not been.” – Henry A. Kissinger

25. MLK on the Consensus.

"A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of
consensus." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of

consensus.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

When you are in the role of leadership, you must consider the desires
of those you are leading, but you must not solely rely on them for
shaping where to go. You must mold the will of those behind you that
you are the one with the answers.
26. Sam Walton on High Expectations.
"High expectations are the key to everything." - Sam Walton

“High expectations are the key to everything.” – Sam Walton

When you have high expectations, people rise to meet them. If you
allow people to only give a partial effort, you’ll only get partial results.
Walmart became the giant they are today because of Sam Walton’s
great leadership.

27. Sam Walton on Outstanding Leaders.

"Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of
their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it's amazing what they
can accomplish." - Sam Walton

“Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of

their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they
can accomplish.” – Sam Walton

The truth is that you must have internal motivation and high self worth
to succeed at anything. Since Sam’s demise, the mega retailer’s
reputation has taken a hit. Even now, you’ll never hear anyone who
worked for him say a negative word about him.
28. J. P. Morgan on Going Far.
"Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you'll be able to see
farther." - J. P. Morgan

“Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you’ll be able to see
farther.” – J. P. Morgan

When you think you’ve reached your highest point, you will be able to
see that next accomplishment. The funny thing is that it seems close.
Every achievement paves the way for another big goal to be met.

29. Albert Schweitzer is the Example.

"Example is leadership." - Albert Schweitzer

“Example is leadership.” – Albert Schweitzer

When you lead, you are setting the example. Among leadership quotes,
this one is the master of brevity. Despite being only 3 words,
Schweitzer makes a bigger statement than many on this list. You must
be the perfect teammate.

30. W. on Duty, Honor, and Country.

"Leadership to me means duty, honor, country. It means character, and
it means listening from time to time." - George W. Bush
“Leadership to me means duty, honor, country. It means character, and
it means listening from time to time.” – George W. Bush

George W. Bush was one of the most divisive people to have the
highest office in the land. However, he was a strong leader. Whether
you’re on the right or the left, you can appreciate his commitment to
leading in the right way.

31. David Schwartz on Thoughts and Actions.

"How we think shows through in how we act. Attitudes are mirrors of
the mind. They reflect thinking." - David Joseph Schwartz

“How we think shows through in how we act. Attitudes are mirrors of

the mind. They reflect thinking.” – David Joseph Schwartz

Remember that your actions are only a reflection of what you think.
When your team sees the way you behave, they know the way you act.
This applies to your approach to the work and your approach to the
individuals.

32. Tony Blair Says No.

"The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say
yes." - Tony Blair
“The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say
yes.” – Tony Blair

No one wants to be called a Yes Man. You must be sure that when your
team is petitioning for your attention, resources, or anything, you
should start with the mindset that you are going to say no. Make them
earn the yes. When they do earn it, say it with glee.

33. Gandhi Gets Along with People.

"I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means
getting along with people." - Mahatma Gandhi

“I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means

getting along with people.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi was the originator of peaceful protests. Before he thought of

this better way, people led rebellions with force. Instead, he found a
new way to change the world. You have to balance being strong with
getting along with people. You can’t always say no.

34. Peter Drucker on Results.

"Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked;
leadership is defined by results not attributes." - Peter Drucker

“Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked;

leadership is defined by results not attributes.” – Peter Drucker
Every single one of these leadership quotes mentions this concept in
some shape or form. You cannot be a leader for the credit or celebrity.
You must lead a team in the direction they need to go in order to
achieve goals.

35. James Cash Penney on Cooperation.

"Honor bespeaks worth. Confidence begets trust. Service brings
satisfaction. Cooperation proves the quality of leadership." - James
Cash Penney

“Honor bespeaks worth. Confidence begets trust. Service brings

satisfaction. Cooperation proves the quality of leadership.” – James
Cash Penney

In order to be a great leader, you need to have honor, confidence, and

service. However, the most important aspect of a quality leader is their
ability to work with others and get others to work together, especially
those who struggle to be part of a team.

36. Napoleon on the Throne.

"A throne is only a bench covered with velvet." - Napoleon Bonaparte

“A throne is only a bench covered with velvet.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon got rid of royalty. He never had a desire to be praised and
upheld as a high and holy ruler of a nation. Instead, he stood for
strength. You can’t lead people if your purpose is to ascend the ranks.

37. E. Joseph Cossman on Obstacles.

"Obstacles are things a person sees when he takes his eyes off his goal."
- E. Joseph Cossman

“Obstacles are things a person sees when he takes his eyes off his
goal.” – E. Joseph Cossman

This should become part of your internal drive that helps you achieve
every goal, personally and professionally. You must be like a horse with
blinders. Do not get distracted, but always keep your eye on the prize
you are chasing.

38. Sartre on Rocking the Boat.

"Only the guy who isn't rowing has time to rock the boat." - Jean-Paul
Sartre

“Only the guy who isn’t rowing has time to rock the boat.” – Jean-Paul
Sartre

This is something you can use with your team when they are
discouraged. If they face criticism from the higher-ups or from another
lateral group, be sure to point out that most of these criticisms are
probably leveled at them by those who aren’t doing their fair share.

39. John C. Maxwell on Relating and Motivating.

"Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough
ahead to motivate them." - John C. Maxwell

“Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough

ahead to motivate them.” – John C. Maxwell

You have to walk that tightrope between equal and superior. You must
be always encouraging and motivating your staff, but you must manage
to seem like you’re on their level. It’s a difficult balance to master, but
when you do, you will have mastered leadership.

40. Chuck Tanner Has 3 Secrets.

"There are three secrets to managing. The first secret is have patience.
The second is be patient. And the third most important secret is
patience." - Chuck Tanner

“There are three secrets to managing. The first secret is have patience.
The second is be patient. And the third most important secret is
patience.” – Chuck Tanner

You have to be patient. Your team won’t respect you instantly. They
won’t reach their goals overnight. You won’t earn the credit you
deserve or the next rung of the ladder as soon as you should. When you
continue to manage the right way, you will have all those things.

41. Jesse Jackson on Time.

"Time is neutral and does not change things. With courage and
initiative, leaders change things." - Rev. Jesse Jackson

“Time is neutral and does not change things. With courage and
initiative, leaders change things.” – Rev. Jesse Jackson

You can’t hope that things will get better as time goes on. You must
take charge of every situation and lead the way to success. Especially as
a new leader, you must show the initiative that you want your team
members to show in their efforts.

42. Kissinger on Earning the Name.

"A leader does not deserve the name unless he is willing occasionally to
stand alone." - Henry A. Kissinger

“A leader does not deserve the name unless he is willing occasionally to

stand alone.” – Henry A. Kissinger

Sometimes, you have to take a stand. Especially when you are leading
the way. You will come to a place where you find yourself making the
right decision but everyone will question you. Stand firm; it will make
your leadership more respected.
43. Casey Stengel on Keeping them Separated.
"The key to being a good manager is keeping the people who hate me
away from those who are still undecided." - Casey Stengel

“The key to being a good manager is keeping the people who hate me
away from those who are still undecided.” – Casey Stengel

As far as leadership quotes go, this one is meant to be humorous.

However, every bit of humor has some honesty mixed in it somewhere.
Don’t let the less trustworthy members of your team undermine those
who are filled with fervor.

44. William James on Getting Results.

"If you care enough for a result, you will most certainly attain it." -
William James

“If you care enough for a result, you will most certainly attain it.” –
William James

If you want anything bad enough, you’ll get it. This is the mentality you
must have as a leader and you should instill that same drive and desire
in those you lead. If they see your passion, they will emulate it.

45. John C. Maxwell on Influence.

"Leadership is influence." - John C. Maxwell

“Leadership is influence.” – John C. Maxwell

Being a true leader is putting your passion into what you do. In doing
that, you will influence those around you to follow that lead. Before
you know it, you have a team following your lead and they are all
working toward the same goals.

46. Laurence J. Peter Gives You a Choice.

"Lead, follow, or get out of the way." - Laurence J. Peter

“Lead, follow, or get out of the way.” – Laurence J. Peter

The simple fact is that you will have difficulty taking a stand. You will
have some resistance when you start to passionately pursue your goals.
At that point, you have to decide if you will continue, or find something
else to do.

47. Rockefeller on Good Leadership.

"Good leadership consists of showing average people how to do the
work of superior people." - John D. Rockefeller
“Good leadership consists of showing average people how to do the
work of superior people.” – John D. Rockefeller

Everyone has average ability. A true leader can take those average
people and inspire them to give more than they have. Even more than
that, a true leader can mold those average people into something more
than they are.

48. Chester Nimitz on Picking Good Men.

"Leadership consists of picking good men and helping them do their
best." - Chester W. Nimitz

“Leadership consists of picking good men and helping them do their

best.” – Chester W. Nimitz

You don’t always get to choose the people you have to work with. If
you can, make sure you pick the best ones in terms of character. You
can always teach the talent and skill you need, but you can never teach
the right attitude and ambition.

49. Aristotle Onassis on Succeeding in Business.

"To succeed in business it is necessary to make others see things as you
see them." - Aristotle Onassis

“To succeed in business it is necessary to make others see things as you

see them.” – Aristotle Onassis
You have the right mentality and the right people. Now, you have to
make sure that they can see the same success that you see. You must
have one set of goals. If you are on the same page, each person will
make the right decisions.

50. Stefan Zweig on Enthusiasm.

"One must be convinced to convince, to have enthusiasm to stimulate
the others." - Stefan Zweig

“One must be convinced to convince, to have enthusiasm to stimulate

the others.” – Stefan Zweig

Before you can truly have inspire people, choose the right ones, or
make them see what you see, you must first look within. What is
driving you? What are your goals and ambitions? Find out and find it.

51. Bo Bennett on Initiative.

"Without initiative, leaders are simply workers in leadership positions."
- Bo Bennett

“Without initiative, leaders are simply workers in leadership positions.”

– Bo Bennett
If you don’t have that internal drive to push yourself, you can never
push a team to pursue those goals. The best way to lead people is to
inspire them to become leaders themselves. If you can instill that same
passion in them, you are a great leader.

52. Phil Crosby Pushes People, but Gently.

"You have to lead people gently toward what they already know is
right." - Phil Crosby

“You have to lead people gently toward what they already know is
right.” – Phil Crosby

People already know what they are supposed to be doing. You have to
give them the inspiration to go ahead and do what they are already
expected. It seems like a no-brainer, but leading people is not simple at
all.

53. Mary Kay Ash Has a Need for Speed.

"The speed of the leader is the speed of the gang." - Mary Kay Ash

“The speed of the leader is the speed of the gang.” – Mary Kay Ash

You hear people say the phrase “the art of leadership” almost all the
time. The real art of leadership is getting people to have that same
passion and to work at the same pace. If you have a team working like
that, you are a master.
54. Peter Drucker on Good Decisions.
"Making good decisions is a crucial skill at every level." - Peter Drucker

“Making good decisions is a crucial skill at every level.” – Peter Drucker

Whether you are the leader or not, this is a leadership quote that really
hits home. You have to make the right decisions in every level of the
organization; that’s the only way to ensure success.

55. Jim Rohn on Paying Attention.

"Give whatever you are doing and whoever you are with the gift of your
attention." - Jim Rohn

“Give whatever you are doing and whoever you are with the gift of your
attention.” – Jim Rohn

When you are in the leadership role, there is nothing more important
than giving 100%. You have to work with your fullest attention
obviously. You also have to give your team your entire attention. You
have to know every detail of their work and their mentality at every
moment.

56. Stephen R. Covey on Effective Leadership.

"Effective leadership is putting first things first. Effective management
is discipline, carrying it out." - Stephen R. Covey

“Effective leadership is putting first things first. Effective management

is discipline, carrying it out.” – Stephen R. Covey

Leading is putting things in order. Then you have to have the skills to
execute. You have to be able to delegate tasks to those who are best
equipped to fulfill each aspect of a project. Leading sets everything up.

57. Thomas Sowell on Meetings.

"People who enjoy meetings should not be in charge of anything." -
Thomas Sowell

“People who enjoy meetings should not be in charge of anything.” –

Thomas Sowell

Don’t be that guy! Don’t be the leader that calls a meeting every day or
several times a day. No one has time to sit in meetings. If you establish
yourself as the meeter leader, you’ll never have the full respect or the
best efforts of your team.

58. R. Buckminster Fuller on Affirmation.

"Affirmation without discipline is the beginning of delusion." - R.
Buckminster Fuller
“Affirmation without discipline is the beginning of delusion.” – R.
Buckminster Fuller

You’re doing a great job, but don’t get ahead of yourself. Make sure
that you aren’t over praising your workers either. You have to make
sure that they get a balance of “great job” as well as where they can
grow even more.

59. Daniel Defoe on Lions and Sheep.

"It is better to have a lion at the head of an army of sheep, than a sheep
at the head of an army of lions." - Daniel Defoe

“It is better to have a lion at the head of an army of sheep, than a sheep
at the head of an army of lions.” – Daniel Defoe

Alexander the Great said something very similar. The truth is that you
cannot be a sheep and let everyone boss you around. If you are the
leader, but the lion and surround yourself with lionesses.

60. Warren Bennis on Making Dreams Come True.

"Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality." - Warren
Bennis
“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” – Warren
Bennis

Seeing where you want to go is one of the keys to leadership. Use that
key to unlock those dreams and make them reality. That translation is
what can make you an effective leader in the eyes of those around you.

61. Harold S. Green on Leadership in Motion.

"Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in
actions." - Harold S. Green

“Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in

actions.” – Harold S. Green

Leadership is solely about walking the walk. You can have all the
inspiring words to fill volumes and even libraries, but if you don’t have
the right attitude and the actions to back up all those words, they are
meaningless.

62. Lao Tzu on Being the Chief.

"Be the chief but never the lord." - Lao Tzu

“Be the chief but never the lord.” – Lao Tzu

Everyone wants to have a leader. They need someone to look to for
direction or guidance. No one wants to be lorded over having every
moment of every day watched and micromanaged. Find a way to be the
head of your tribe, without being a tyrant.

63. Thomas Leonard on Clarity.

"Clarity affords focus." - Thomas Leonard

“Clarity affords focus.” – Thomas Leonard

When you understand your role of leader, you will begin to have clarity
of mind. When you embrace that clarity, you will be able to see your
goals clearer. When you see the goals, you can suddenly see what
needs to be adjusted to get their sooner.

64. Thomas Fuller on Being Obeyed.

"If you command wisely, you'll be obeyed cheerfully." - Thomas Fuller

“If you command wisely, you’ll be obeyed cheerfully.” – Thomas Fuller

Choose your battles wisely. There is no need to continually stay on top

of people. You don’t have to micromanage. When you think you might
be micromanaging, ask people if they feel like you’re too invasive or too
demanding. They’ll let you know. Cheerfully.
65. Henry J. Kaiser
"Problems are only opportunities in work clothes." - Henry J. Kaiser

“Problems are only opportunities in work clothes.” – Henry J. Kaiser

When you encounter problems, they are a way for you to grow. You
can address those problems as a way to make an improvement. You
can always do something better. Attack every problem as a way to
show your leadership and it will be just that.

66. Leo Burnett on Helping People.

"What helps people, helps business." - Leo Burnett

“What helps people, helps business.” – Leo Burnett

Many of the problems you’ll encounter along the way are involving
people. Perhaps they need a favor. Perhaps they made mistakes. The
reality is that whatever you can do to help these people will help the
business in the long run. Whether it helps morale or reputation, it is
helping.

67. J. Paul Getty on Getting Just Desserts.

"The employer generally gets the employees he deserves." - J. Paul
Getty
“The employer generally gets the employees he deserves.” – J. Paul
Getty

No one is an island. The longer you lead, the more chances you have to
rub people the wrong way. If you are always approaching problems
with the people in mind and not the bottom line, then you will always
come out on top.

68. Carnegie on Getting the Credit.

"No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself or get
all the credit for doing it." - Andrew Carnegie

“No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself or get
all the credit for doing it.” – Andrew Carnegie

You can never do everything alone, even though there are times you
think about it. Even more important than that, you can’t take credit for
what others have done. How many times have you seen someone take
the credit only for it to blow up in their face?

69. Bill Bradley on Unlocking Potential.

"Leadership is unlocking people's potential to become better." - Bill
Bradley
“Leadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better.” – Bill
Bradley

Bill Bradley was the most successful US Men’s Soccer Coach ever. He
won more cups and got farther in the World Cup than anyone else. If he
was given the time he needed to unlock the full potential of the
program, he would be a legendary leader.

70. William James on Quality.

"If you want a quality, act as if you already have it." - William James

“If you want a quality, act as if you already have it.” – William James

If you feel that you should be more compassionate, then be more

compassionate. You don’t have to wish you could be a better leader or
a better example, you just have to start displaying those qualities and
then, voila, you have them.

71. Harold S. Green on Teaching and Learning.

"Leadership cannot really be taught. It can only be learned." - Harold S.
Green

“Leadership cannot really be taught. It can only be learned.” – Harold S.

Green
You can sit through an entire MBA lecture series from Harvard Business
school. In fact, you can stream most of those lectures from your own
desk nowadays. They can only teach you principles. You have to learn
for yourself how to lead people.

72. Max Lucado on Turning Your Back.

"A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the
crowd. - Max Lucado

“A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the
crowd. – Max Lucado

The conductor of the most beautiful symphony does not face the crowd
when he is working. In the same way, a leader must lead by going away
from the crowd. While everyone else is following the status quo,
leaders look for better ways.

73. John C. Maxwell on Buying In.

"People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.” - John C.
Maxwell

“People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.” – John C.
Maxwell

When you have the passion and the drive to be successful, it shows.
People will magnetize to you before you even present the first idea.
Chances are, if you are in a leadership position, then it was probably a
very natural process.

74. Douglas William Jerrold Is Sharp.

"The sharp employ the sharp." - Douglas William Jerrold

“The sharp employ the sharp.” – Douglas William Jerrold

When you have the skill set, you know the skill set. You are looking for
people just like you. You don’t want to have people that you have to
motivate every day. You want people that can get on your team,
because they want to lead a team of their own some day.

75. Ray Kroc on Being Good.

"You're only as good as the people you hire." - Ray Kroc

“You’re only as good as the people you hire.” – Ray Kroc

Ray Kroc started McDonald’s at a time where there were no pre-cut

fries or pre shaped patties. He had to hire people he knew could do
every job. If you talk to someone who worked for McDonald’s in the
first couple of decades, they were proud of their job and their work.

76. Ivan Illich on Being Right.

"Leadership does not depend on being right." - Ivan Illich

“Leadership does not depend on being right.” – Ivan Illich

Of course you’ll make mistakes. You have to lead with the right
intentions. Even if you take the wrong way, you can recover later. If you
have the right people, they will be with you every step of the way. Just
don’t forget to apologize.

77. Don Shula on Leading by Example.

"I don't know any other way to lead but by example." - Don Shula

“I don’t know any other way to lead but by example.” – Don Shula

The only way to lead is by example. Don Shula carried himself like a
winner, a champion really. In his entire career, he only won 2 Super
Bowls. He’s remembered as a true leader and an all around champion
because he carried himself that way.

78. Henry Kissinger on Operating the Familiar.

"It is, after all, the responsibility of the expert to operate the familiar
and that of the leader to transcend it." - Henry A. Kissinger
“It is, after all, the responsibility of the expert to operate the familiar
and that of the leader to transcend it.” – Henry A. Kissinger

You should be an expert. But when you are a leader you do things the
expert can’t do. You know what needs to be done, and you do even
more. You change the way the game is played, and that’s what makes
people happy to follow.

79. Davy Crockett on Supporting Principles.

"I have always supported measures and principles and not men." - Davy
Crockett

“I have always supported measures and principles and not men.” –

Davy Crockett

It’s terribly important to be a great person, but you also have to make
the right decisions. You have to have the standards of excellence. In the
long run, people must know that you stand for consistent excellence.
Charisma will win them over, but wisdom will keep them.

80. Ken Olsen on Standards

"The nicest thing about standards is that there are so many of them to
choose from." - Ken Olsen

“The nicest thing about standards is that there are so many of them to
choose from.” – Ken Olsen
Don’t think that you have to go with the industry standards to be your
guidelines. You can go above and beyond what minimums have been
set. You can choose to do the bare minimum, or you can choose to
change the game altogether.

81. Henry Miller on the Real Leader.

"The real leader has no need to lead - he is content to point the way." -
Henry Miller

“The real leader has no need to lead – he is content to point the way.”
– Henry Miller

This leadership quote is really aimed at those who have spent time as a
leader. When you are a veteran leader, you can point the way. You’ve
already chosen your team of leaders. Each of those team members is
trusted to pursue excellence in their own way. Just point.

82. An Wang Has Heart.

"You have to have your heart in the business and the business in your
heart." - An Wang

“You have to have your heart in the business and the business in your
heart.” – An Wang
You must love what you do and do what you love. That’s the only way
to develop the passion and drive that makes you a strong and
charismatic leader. People will want to follow you, it’s your job to keep
them on your team.

83. J. P. Morgan Has 2 Reasons.

"A man always has two reasons for doing anything: a good reason and
the real reason." - J. P. Morgan

“A man always has two reasons for doing anything: a good reason and
the real reason.” – J. P. Morgan

Any great leader knows that there is a great deal of sleight of hand in
the leadership business. You have to be able to sell the idea to your
people, but you also have to have a grasp on the real reason you are
doing what you’re doing.

84. Scott McNealy on Getting the Best People.

"Get the best people and train them well." - Scott McNealy

“Get the best people and train them well.” – Scott McNealy

When you have the people in place, you also have to get them to the
work. Unfortunately, you can’t just inspire greatness, sometimes you
have to teach the nuts and bolts of how to do things. Especially if you’re
a great leader, because you’ll have your own methods to teach.
85. Stephen R. Covey on the Meaning of Leadership.
"Leadership is a choice, not a position." - Stephen R. Covey

“Leadership is a choice, not a position.” – Stephen R. Covey

You must choose to lead. If you’ve been given a title, it doesn’t make
you a leader. Anyone can have the title of manager or president or
anything else in the world. The fact is that leading people is a choice
that must be made.

86. Theodore Hesburg on the Essense of Leadership.

"The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You
can't blow an uncertain trumpet." - Theodore Hesburg

“The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You
can’t blow an uncertain trumpet.” – Theodore Hesburg

You have to be able to paint that picture in the mind. People must
clearly see the end goal. They can’t just hope that you’re leading them
in the right direction. You must believe with every fiber of your being
that you can do things.

87. Mike Pence on Servant Leadership.

"I believe in servant leadership, and the servant always asks, 'Where am
I needed most?'" - Mike Pence

“I believe in servant leadership, and the servant always asks, ‘Where

am I needed most?'” – Mike Pence

There are times where you must be a servant to your team. You have to
find the area that you are most needed. You have to plug every hole
and make sure the machine runs like there’s nothing wrong.

88. Ike Eisenhower on Hitting People Over the Head.

"You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not
leadership." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

“You don’t lead by hitting people over the head – that’s assault, not
leadership.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

You can’t lead by force. There’s no leadership quote out there that will
promote tyranny or fear as great motivational tools. You have to lead
people, not invoke fear in them. They must respect you, but not fear
you.

89. Ralph Nader on the Function of Leadership.

"The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more
followers." - Ralph Nader
“The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more
followers.” – Ralph Nader

Ralph Nader knows that the only way to have the best team, is to have
people that want to lead their own team. You have to hope that they
have the same motivation to succeed that you have in you. Their
passion should be as strong as yours.

90. Carlos Ghosn on the Role of Leadership.

"The role of leadership is to transform the complex situation into small
pieces and prioritize them." - Carlos Ghosn

“The role of leadership is to transform the complex situation into small

pieces and prioritize them.” – Carlos Ghosn

This quote nearly sums up the entire job of the leader. You must take
something that is huge, like the theory of general relativity. Then you
have to break it into small chunks that can be accomplished. Then you
have to match that with the personnel.

91. Yousef Munayyer on Humility.

"Humility is a great quality of leadership which derives respect and not
just fear or hatred." - Yousef Munayyer
“Humility is a great quality of leadership which derives respect and not
just fear or hatred.” – Yousef Munayyer

You must be humble. Even when you are the king of your domain, you
have to keep the mentality that you are the same as everyone around
you. When people sense that you feel superior, they will put you in
your place quickly.

92. Arnold H. Glasow on Tests and Problems.

"One of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem
before it becomes an emergency." - Arnold H. Glasow

“One of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem

before it becomes an emergency.” – Arnold H. Glasow

Problems arise and you have to identify them. If you are good at it, you
will catch them while they are bumps in the road and not sinkholes that
can tear the fibers of the spacetime continuum.

93. James Buchanan on the Test of Leadership.

"The test of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to
elicit it, for the greatness is already there.” - James Buchanan

“The test of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to

elicit it, for the greatness is already there.” – James Buchanan
People have greatness within them. You have to unlock that potential
in everyone. Anyone can manage and get things done. To get the best
results, you have to make people be at their personal best.

94. Robin S. Sharma on Popularity.

"Leadership is not a popularity contest; it's about leaving your ego at
the door." - Robin S. Sharma

“Leadership is not a popularity contest; it’s about leaving your ego at

the door.” – Robin S. Sharma

Of course you want people to like you. However, you can’t hang your
hat on getting people to like you. On those days you have to deliver bad
news, you really don’t want to let down friends or fans. You have to
leave your ego out of it.

95. Pat Riley on Long Term Success.

"To have long term success as a coach or in any position of leadership,
you have to be obsessed in some way." - Pat Riley

“To have long term success as a coach or in any position of leadership,

you have to be obsessed in some way.” – Pat Riley
Obsessions are bad, if you are talking about the sort of thing that gets
you featured on a crime documentary. If you are obsessed with success
and fulfilling your dreams, then you had better be an obsessed fool.

96. Tom Landry on Instilling Confidence.

"Leadership is a matter of having people look at you and gain
confidence, seeing how you react. If you're in control, they're in
control." - Tom Landry

“Leadership is a matter of having people look at you and gain

confidence, seeing how you react. If you’re in control, they’re in
control.” – Tom Landry

When you are in a trying time, you must exude confidence. Your team
will gain confidence. If you come across as someone who is in control,
they will find some sense of control for themselves. Everyone remain
calm.

97. Donald Rumsfield on Sharp Edges.

"Don't necessarily avoid sharp edges. Occasionally they are necessary
to leadership." - Donald Rumsfield

“Don’t necessarily avoid sharp edges. Occasionally they are necessary

to leadership.” – Donald Rumsfield
Things don’t always run smoothly. You can’t always be smooth in every
delivery and interaction either. Being a leader is about doing what’s
right for the big picture. You can’t worry too much about the small
losses, you have to focus on the big victory.

98. Jeffrey Immelt on the Intense Journey.

"Leadership is an intense journey into yourself. You can use your own
style to get anything done. It's about being self-aware." - Jeffrey R.
Immelt

“Leadership is an intense journey into yourself. You can use your own
style to get anything done. It’s about being self-aware.” – Jeffrey R.
Immelt

The first in a duo from Mr. Chicago himself, this leadership quote
focuses on that big picture process. You have to know that you can
trust yourself. Along the way you’ll discover things about yourself that
you might not have known before.

99. Jeffrey Immelt on Your Reflection.

"Every morning, I look in the mirror and say, 'I could have done three
things better yesterday.'" - Jeffrey R. Immelt

“Every morning, I look in the mirror and say, ‘I could have done three
things better yesterday.'” – Jeffrey R. Immelt
The next natural step in the process is finding the things you can do
better. That’s part of the ongoing journey of leadership. You must find
the areas where you can grow and be better. That’s the toughest part
of being a leader: Always giving your complete and total effort to grow
and improve.

100. Robin S. Sharma on Leadership Culture.

“A leadership culture is one where everyone thinks like an owner, a
CEO or a managing director. It's one where everyone is entrepreneurial
and proactive.” - Robin S. Sharma

“A leadership culture is one where everyone thinks like an owner, a

CEO or a managing director. It’s one where everyone is entrepreneurial
and proactive.” – Robin S. Sharma

All the traits of this leadership mindset must fill you and those around
you. When you can create that type of culture, you never have to stress
about the next project or the next paycheck. Everyone is constantly
working to improve and grow. And they will.

101. Omar N. Bradley on Invincibility.

"Leadership is intangible, and therefore no weapon ever designed can
replace it." - Omar N. Bradley

“Leadership is intangible, and therefore no weapon ever designed can

replace it.” – Omar N. Bradley
No matter how many robot armies we have, someone will have to lead
them. If you can instill these valuable principles in yourself and those
around you, you will become irreplaceable to the world. People will
seek you out just to get your opinion or your approval.

102. Bill Owens Takes an Active Role.

"Leadership is an active role; 'lead' is a verb. But the leader who tries to
do it all is headed for burnout, and in a powerful hurry." - Bill Owens

“Leadership is an active role; ‘lead’ is a verb. But the leader who tries to
do it all is headed for burnout, and in a powerful hurry.” – Bill Owens

You must take an active role. There are no days off for a leader. You’ve
got a lot of long hours ahead of you. However, you must know that you
can’t do it all on your own. You have to instill that same drive in your
team. Then, you have to trust them to bring that vision into reality.

103. Mwai Kibaki on the Privilege of Leadership.

"Leadership is a privilege to better the lives of others. It is not an
opportunity to satisfy personal greed." - Mwai Kibaki

“Leadership is a privilege to better the lives of others. It is not an

opportunity to satisfy personal greed.” – Mwai Kibaki
You must always think about the privileged position you have been
given. Whether you’re the head of your own business, or someone has
appointed you. Those people that answer to you, they have entrusted
you with that high office in their personal and professional lives. You
must consider all the little roles you fulfill for those people.

104. Stephen R. Covey on Climbing the Ladder.

"Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership
determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall." -
Stephen R. Covey

“Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership

determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall.” –
Stephen R. Covey

You must be able to climb efficiently of course. But before anyone can
begin climbing at all, you have to make sure you have the right ladder,
it’s on stable ground, and that the ladder is necessary at all. Don’t just
go where you’re told.

105. Tom Landry on Getting People to Achieve.

"Leadership is getting someone to do what they don't want to do, to
achieve what they want to achieve." - Tom Landry

“Leadership is getting someone to do what they don’t want to do, to

achieve what they want to achieve.” – Tom Landry
You have a lot of people that answer to you. You are a lot of things to
those people. You’re more than just a boss or a teammate. You’re
probably the person they have to call to say they need a day off. Can
you stand being the person that makes someone fake being sick?
Hopefully, you are leading people in a way that makes them love you,
and love what they do.

106. Henry Ward Beecher on Higher Standards.

"Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody expects
of you. Never excuse yourself." - Henry Ward Beecher

“Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody expects

of you. Never excuse yourself.” – Henry Ward Beecher

Probably the most important thing in leadership is fulfilling your own

goals. Never settle for what others expect of you. They will always tell
you that you can’t do something or that you are shooting for the stars.
Never let that discourage you. What is a good leader if you aren’t
ambitious in the first place?