Recently, a new acquaintance asked me to share some leadership wisdom. As a bona fide leadership geek, I was happy to oblige.

I shared this quote by Stephen M.R. Covey:

“We judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their behavior.”

 When under pressure, a leader’s behavior can become misaligned with his or her intentions. While we intend to motivate and inspire others, our demeanor may be sending a different message. A great prompt to stay mindful in our communications.  

This encounter got me thinking about the many wonderful leadership quotes I’ve been inspired by over the years. Here are a few of my favorites that might help refresh your leadership perspective.

On Character

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

"Leadership is a combination of strategy and character. If you must be without one, be without strategy.” ~ U.S. Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf

"Glass, china, and reputation, are easily crack'd, and never well mended." ~ Benjamin Franklin 

"The quality of a leader cannot be judged by the answers he gives, but by the questions he asks. ~ Simon Sinek

"In the last analysis, what we are communicates far more eloquently than anything we say or do." ~ Stephen Covey

On Vision

“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” ~ Warren Bennis

“Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.” ~ Jack Welch

“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” ~ Helen Keller

“Failed plans should not be interpreted as a failed vision. Visions don't change, they are only refined. Plans rarely stay the same, and are scrapped or adjusted as needed. Be stubborn about the vision, but flexible with your plan.” ~ John C. Maxwell

“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” ~ Jonathan Swift

On Inspiring Others

“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

“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” ~ Sheryl Sandberg

“Leadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better.” ~ Bill Bradley

“The signs of outstanding leadership appear primarily among the followers.” ~ Max De Pree

“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” ~ Rosalynn Carter

To lead well, one needs great courage and the willingness to continuously strive for excellence. If you’re asking yourself, “How can I become a better leader?”, kudos to you.

I’m happy to partner with you to help you up your leadership game. Contact me at gayle@total-life-leadership.com.