Quotes On Leadership

"A leader is a dealer in hope." Napoleon Bonaparte Some of the simplest quotes on leadership reveal the biggest truths. We look to a leader to give us hope; hope that they will lead us through our difficulties and into a better future. Napoleon's escape from Elba and his subsequent rallying of the French troops was an example of how a leader can bring hope to his followers. One of the greatest qualities of Sir Winston Churchill, another great leader, was his ability to give hope when there seemed none. Even in the darkest days of the Battle of Britain his words inspired hope in a tired and battered people. The best leaders do not hide reality from their followers but they are able to show them that despite the difficulties there is a way through.

If it's a good idea, go ahead and do it. It is much easier to apologize than it is to get permission. - Admiral Grace Hopper The idea behind this quote is the same as Tim Ferriss' motto "It's better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission". It highlights an important element of leadership - leaders don't always seek permission to do the right thing. If seeking permission would take too long or could prevent them doing what they need to do good leaders will often ignore the rules and clear up the mess later. That takes courage and confidence in your own judgement but if you take the action for the right reasons it's a risk worth taking.

If you are looking for more quotes on leadership Brainy Quotes has a page. I don't like the page much as you can't see the full quote but you might find some inspiration from it. To have a look at their quotes go to Leadership Quotes

If you are looking for a collection of quotes on leadership then I will be recommending a few sites and books. For sheer volume of good quotes on leadership I recommend the About.com page at the end of this post. The quotes are not listed in any particular order but there are some fantastic quotes and if you are looking for lots of choice I suggest you go and visit. Famous Leadership Quotes

"Leadership is a combination of strategy and character. If you must be without one, be without the strategy." - Norman Schwarzkopf What I like about quotes on leadership is that they can show a whole way of thinking in a few words. This quote by Norman Schwarzkopf is a good example. As a leader you need a strategy. To ask people to follow you without having an overview of what you are going to do is hard. When you have a clear strategy it is easier for followers to come with you as they see the road ahead. But sometimes you don't have a strategy. Perhaps you are facing unknown territory where even your best guess is likely to be wrong. Sometimes the best you can do is to move forward in the hope that things become clear and this is where character becomes critical. If your followers trust you and know that you are a person of exceptional character they are likely to walk the road ahead with you, no matter that that road is unclear and that you don't have a map.