Leadership Quotes about Character, Initiative, Persistence, and Risk

"Followers who tell the truth, and leaders who listen to it, are an unbeatable combination."

"In the face of leadership flaws, too many people assume cynical perspectives, rather than do the hard work of building relationships in which they can have more positive influence."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

"A reflective reading of history will show that no man ever rose to military greatness who could not convince his troops that he put them first, above all else."

"The only reliable leadership for transforming the community within our workplace is our own."

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."

"Always do right. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest."

"Why waste time looking smart when I can be getting smarter?"

"As a leader...your principal job is to create an operating environment where others can do great things."

"Leadership is the creation of an environment in which others are able to self-actualize in the process of completing the job."

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."

"The greatness of a leader is measured by the achievements of the led. This is the ultimate test of his effectiveness."

"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity."

"It takes leaders to grow other leaders."

"You cannot be effective if those who work for you are not. So building their effectiveness ought to be a priority."

"No executive has ever suffered because his subordinates were strong and effective."

"There are three kinds of people: Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who ask, 'What happened?'"

"It is the nature of man to rise to greatness if greatness is expected of him."

"The deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated."

"There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul."

"Nothing will work unless you do."

"You may have to fight a battle more than once in order to win it."

"The future is not shaped by those who do not really believe in the future."

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

"The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough."