# Quotes about leadership

- Quotes: 100
- Authors: 66
- Broader topic: [Quotes about power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md)
- Topic page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership
- JSON version (same data): https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.json

## Quotes

> The leader of the enterprise a woman.

[Virgil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil.md) · [The Aeneid](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid/the-leader-of-the.md)

Topics: [women](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/women.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> They should rule who are able to rule best.

[Aristotle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/aristotle.md) · [The Politics](https://www.leafyquotes.com/aristotle/the-politics.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/aristotle/the-politics/they-should-rule.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Dull, painstaking, technocratic work seldom moves bards and chroniclers in the same way as battlefield victories. Yet the great triumph of Henry’s leadership of the royal council in 1410–11 is that he realizes that nothing can proceed without it.

[Dan Jones](https://www.leafyquotes.com/dan-jones.md) · [Henry V](https://www.leafyquotes.com/dan-jones/henry-v.md) · p. 142 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/dan-jones/henry-v/dull-painstaking-technocratic.md)

Topics: [work](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/work.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Most of all, he wanted so much to be a good king – attempting to please everyone all the time – that he inevitably displeased some.

[Ian Mortimer](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ian-mortimer.md) · [The Fears of Henry IV](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ian-mortimer/the-fears-of-henry-iv.md) · p. 357 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ian-mortimer/the-fears-of-henry-iv/most-of-all.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Such a mercurial ruler could hardly be an inspiration to his people. Wise men do not follow leaders whom they suspect might later reproach them for their loyalty.

[Ian Mortimer](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ian-mortimer.md) · [The Fears of Henry IV](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ian-mortimer/the-fears-of-henry-iv.md) · p. 137 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ian-mortimer/the-fears-of-henry-iv/such-a-mercurial.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md), [loyalty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/loyalty.md)

> A leader must be utterly decisive, especially when giving orders that conflict with the ones from the day before.

[James S. A. Corey](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-s-a-corey.md) · [The Mercy of Gods](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-s-a-corey/the-mercy-of-gods.md) · p. 158 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-s-a-corey/the-mercy-of-gods/a-leader-must.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Most people are indifferent, unless their self-interest is at stake. Then there are the chronic complainers. [...] Fortunately, there are those in every organization, few but invaluable, who know their responsibilities and seem to thrive on meeting them. They get things done. These are the ones we all rely upon, the people who take care of the rest of us, quiet leaders.

[Robin Wall Kimmerer](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robin-wall-kimmerer.md) · [Braiding Sweetgrass](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robin-wall-kimmerer/braiding-sweetgrass.md) · p. 169 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robin-wall-kimmerer/braiding-sweetgrass/most-people-are.md)

Topics: [responsibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/responsibility.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Leadership is rooted not in power and authority, but in service and wisdom.

[Robin Wall Kimmerer](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robin-wall-kimmerer.md) · [Braiding Sweetgrass](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robin-wall-kimmerer/braiding-sweetgrass.md) · p. 112 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robin-wall-kimmerer/braiding-sweetgrass/leadership-is-rooted.md)

Topics: [wisdom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/wisdom.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> The most important part of strategy is keeping your men alive. If you take care of your men, they’ll take care of you.

[David Eddings](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-eddings.md) · [The Redemption of Althalus](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-eddings/the-redemption-of-althalus.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-eddings/the-redemption-of-althalus/the-most-important.md)

Topics: [responsibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/responsibility.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> All the same, an officer should never be parted from his men in the moment of danger on any account whatsoever. Danger is the supreme moment of his career, his chance to show his manhood at its best. Honour and gallantry make him the master of the hour. What is more sublime than to face death at the head of a hundred men? Such a one will never find obedience fail him, for courage runs through the ranks like wine.

[Ernst Jünger](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ernst-junger.md) · [Storm of Steel](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ernst-junger/storm-of-steel.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ernst-junger/storm-of-steel/all-the-same.md)

Topics: [courage](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/courage.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> You must surely know by now, Winters, that a leader’s authority is limited to giving her followers orders that they will actually obey.

[Genevieve Cogman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/genevieve-cogman.md) · [The Untold Story](https://www.leafyquotes.com/genevieve-cogman/the-untold-story.md) · p. 318 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/genevieve-cogman/the-untold-story/you-must-surely.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Those forced to make impossible choices are rarely loved. If it’s approval and reputation you care about, then you have no place here.

[Jim C. Hines](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jim-c-hines.md) · [Unbound](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jim-c-hines/unbound.md) · p. 284 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jim-c-hines/unbound/those-forced-to-make.md)

Topics: [responsibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/responsibility.md), [choices](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/choices.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Right decision or wrong decision, it was a leader’s job to make it.

[Charles Sheffield](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-sheffield.md) · [Aftermath](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-sheffield/aftermath.md) · p. 391 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-sheffield/aftermath/right-decision-or-wrong.md)

Topics: [choices](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/choices.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> The important question wasn’t whether or not you thought you were the right one to lead. It was whether others believed you were.

[Charles Sheffield](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-sheffield.md) · [Aftermath](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-sheffield/aftermath.md) · p. 233 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-sheffield/aftermath/the-important-question.md)

Topics: [trust](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/trust.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> “Any other instructions?”
>
> “Not without breaking one of my own golden rules. In an unpredictable situation, the man or woman on the spot should make the decisions, not the general sitting on his ass a million miles away from the action.”

[Charles Sheffield](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-sheffield.md) · [The Spheres of Heaven](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-sheffield/the-spheres-of-heaven.md) · p. 443 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-sheffield/the-spheres-of-heaven/any-other-instructions.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Will you encourage your workers to be innovative, or will you promote an environment where the status quo is good enough? Do you have mechanisms to allow all employees to voice opinions and provide feedback without fear of retaliation? Are you accessible, or are you insulated from your people? Good leaders motivate by being seen, by communicating, by engaging, and by taking care of their employees.

[Ann Dunwoody](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ann-dunwoody.md) · [A Higher Standard](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ann-dunwoody/a-higher-standard.md) · p. 166 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ann-dunwoody/a-higher-standard/will-you-encourage.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> For a great leader, colleague, friend, or parent to be his best, he has to acknowledge his worst. Throughout my life I've met plenty of superheroes, but the strongest and most effective among them were simply human and knew they weren't perfect. They were the men and women who, like my father, believed in their duty to country and sacrificed for others without hesitation. They all had their strengths and weaknesses. They excelled at times; they stumbled at times. But the great ones always made sure they could walk tall by recognizing their own enemy within and confronting it.

[Ann Dunwoody](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ann-dunwoody.md) · [A Higher Standard](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ann-dunwoody/a-higher-standard.md) · p. 72 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ann-dunwoody/a-higher-standard/for-a-great.md)

Topics: [humility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humility.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md), [flaws](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/flaws.md)

> As a military professional, I knew that the most important element is trust- the vision had to be built on trust. The very basis for why soldiers fight the way they do is the trust they have in their teammates, their fellow soldiers. It's usually less dramatic off the battlefield but still equally important. Without trust in each other and trust in the institution, you will not be able to realize your vision.

[Ann Dunwoody](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ann-dunwoody.md) · [A Higher Standard](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ann-dunwoody/a-higher-standard.md) · p. 191 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ann-dunwoody/a-higher-standard/as-a-military.md)

Topics: [trust](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/trust.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> I often hear that it's hard to know the right thing to do. No, it's not! You always know what's right, but sometimes it's just very hard to do it. It's hard because you may have to admit failure. It's hard because the right decision may affect your friends and colleagues. It's hard because you may not personally benefit from doing what's right. Yeah, it's hard. That's called leadership.

[William H. McRaven](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-h-mcraven.md) · [Wisdom of the Bullfrog](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-h-mcraven/wisdom-of-the-bullfrog.md) · p. 10 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-h-mcraven/wisdom-of-the-bullfrog/i-often-hear.md)

Topics: [morality](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/morality.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Successful people become great leaders when they learn to shift the focus from themselves to others.

[Marshall Goldsmith](https://www.leafyquotes.com/marshall-goldsmith.md) · [What Got You Here Won't Get You There](https://www.leafyquotes.com/marshall-goldsmith/what-got-you-here-wont-get-you-there.md) · p. 72 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/marshall-goldsmith/what-got-you-here-wont-get-you-there/successful-people-become.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> “The question is: do you trust me?”
>
> “Sometimes.”
>
> Bella smiled. “That’s exactly the right attitude: trust your leaders, but be careful not to trust them too much.”

[Alastair Reynolds](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alastair-reynolds.md) · [Pushing Ice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alastair-reynolds/pushing-ice.md) · p. 397 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alastair-reynolds/pushing-ice/the-question-is-do-you.md)

Topics: [trust](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/trust.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Men cannot be threatened into the kind of fight they will have to put up to win. They will have to be led.

[Michael Shaara](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michael-shaara.md) · [The Killer Angels](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michael-shaara/the-killer-angels.md) · p. 185 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michael-shaara/the-killer-angels/men-cannot-be-threatened.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> The greatest commanders never issue orders. Rather, they compel by their own acts and virtue the emulation of those they command. The great champions throw leadership back on you. They make you answer: Who am I? What do I seek? What is the meaning of my existence in this life?

[Steven Pressfield](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-pressfield.md) · [The Profession](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-pressfield/the-profession.md) · p. 2 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-pressfield/the-profession/the-greatest-commanders.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Bear your command with humility. Lead, do not condescend. Remember, these are great events and men will rise to them. Treat every man as a Soldier. He may surprise you and be one.

[Steven Pressfield](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-pressfield.md) · [Last of the Amazons](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-pressfield/last-of-the-amazons.md) · p. 210 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-pressfield/last-of-the-amazons/bear-your-command.md)

Topics: [humility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humility.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> I had become someone they could look to for leadership and direction, who would shield from meddling from above, and would ask no act of them that he wasn't prepared to perform himself. I provided for my men a framework within which they were freed to use their own qualities of courage, resourcefulness and tenacity.

[Steven Pressfield](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-pressfield.md) · [Killing Rommel](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-pressfield/killing-rommel.md) · p. 175 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-pressfield/killing-rommel/i-had-become.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> We have created trouble for ourselves in organizations by confusing control with order. This is no surprise, given that for most of its written history, leadership has been defined in terms of its control functions.

[Margaret J. Wheatley](https://www.leafyquotes.com/margaret-j-wheatley.md) · [Leadership and the New Science](https://www.leafyquotes.com/margaret-j-wheatley/leadership-and-the-new-science.md) · p. 12 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/margaret-j-wheatley/leadership-and-the-new-science/we-have-created.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Leadership is always dependent upon the context, but the context is established by the relationships.

[Margaret J. Wheatley](https://www.leafyquotes.com/margaret-j-wheatley.md) · [Leadership and the New Science](https://www.leafyquotes.com/margaret-j-wheatley/leadership-and-the-new-science.md) · p. 144 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/margaret-j-wheatley/leadership-and-the-new-science/leadership-is-always.md)

Topics: [relationships](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/relationships.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Although styles of leadership change with the times, one constant remains: people are always ambivalent about those in power. They want to be led but also to feel free; they want to be protected and enjoy prosperity without making sacrifices; they both worship the king and want to kill him. When you are the leader of a group, people are continually prepared to turn on you the moment you seem weak or experience a setback. Do not succumb to the prejudices of the times, imagining that what you need to do to gain their loyalty is to seem to be their equal or their friend; people will doubt your strength, become suspicious of your motives, and respond with hidden contempt. Authority is the delicate art of creating the appearance of power, legitimacy, and fairness while getting people to identify with you as a leader who is in their service. If you want to lead, you must master this art from early on in your life. Once you have gained people’s trust, they will stand by you as their leader, no matter the bad circumstances.

[Robert Greene](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-greene.md) · [The Laws of Human Nature](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-greene/the-laws-of-human-nature.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-greene/the-laws-of-human-nature/although-styles-of-leadership.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Perhaps I cannot make my people good, but I should at least try to make them a little less bad.

[George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Dance with Dragons](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-dance-with-dragons.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-dance-with-dragons/perhaps-i-cannot.md)

Topics: [evil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/evil.md), [kindness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/kindness.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Man wants to be king of the rabbits, he best wear a pair o' floppy ears.

[George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Dance with Dragons](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-dance-with-dragons.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-dance-with-dragons/man-wants-to-be-king.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> It's not the walls that make a lord, it's the man.

[George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Storm of Swords](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-storm-of-swords.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-storm-of-swords/its-not-the.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> When your enemies defy you, you must serve them steel and fire. When they go to their knees, however, you must help them back to their feet. Elsewise no man will ever bend the knee to you. And any man who must say "I am the king" is no king at all.

[George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Storm of Swords](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-storm-of-swords.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-storm-of-swords/when-your-enemies.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> It does not matter how brave or brilliant a man is, if his commands cannot be heard.

[George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Storm of Swords](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-storm-of-swords.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-storm-of-swords/it-does-not.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> I told you what needed to be done, and left it to you to decide what it would be ... To lead men you must know them, Jon Snow. I know more of you now than I did this morning.

[George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Clash of Kings](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-clash-of-kings.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-clash-of-kings/i-told-you.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Men fight more fiercely for a king who shares their peril than one who hides behind his mother's skirts.

[George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Clash of Kings](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-clash-of-kings.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-clash-of-kings/men-fight-more.md)

Topics: [courage](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/courage.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> "Know the men who follow you, and let them know you. Don't ask your men to die for a stranger."

[George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Game of Thrones: The Illustrated Edition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-game-of-thrones-the-illustrated-edition.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-game-of-thrones-the-illustrated-edition/know-the-men.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> When responsibility is thrust upon you, can you run from it? No—you have never and you never will. That is what makes you as you are. That is why men follow you, though they hate your blood. They trust you.

[David Gemmell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-gemmell.md) · [The King Beyond the Gate](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-gemmell/the-king-beyond-the-gate.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-gemmell/the-king-beyond-the-gate/when-responsibility-is-thrust.md)

Topics: [responsibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/responsibility.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> “You are the leader, Gaise. Men always tend to agree with the leader. It is the nature of things.”
>
> “This is not a game, Father.”
>
> “Of course it is: the oldest game in the world. You have proved yourself in battle, leading men in cavalry charges. This game is different. This game is unlikely to be won by a single heroic charge. This will be like the wolf pack hunting the stag. This will be about planning, movement, wearing down the enemy, bringing him to bay at exactly the point where he is at his weakest. This will be about subtlety and deception. Winter Kay is an excellent strategist. He thinks he is the wolf. He is right. We are the stag. To win you must make him the stag.”

[David Gemmell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-gemmell.md) · [Stormrider](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-gemmell/stormrider.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-gemmell/stormrider/you-are-the.md)

Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> I didn't feel the need to have a lot of yes-men standing around me. As Mitchell Sharp once put it, the bigger the staff, the smaller the minister.

[Jean Chretien](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-chretien.md) · [My Years as Prime Minister](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-chretien/my-years-as-prime-minister.md) · p. 38 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-chretien/my-years-as-prime-minister/i-didnt-feel.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Sky’s forecourt had been designed by my late sister, Kurue, who had understood two key elements of the mortal psyche: they hate being reminded of their own insignificance, yet they simultaneously and instinctively expect their leaders to be overwhelmingly dominant.

[N. K. Jemisin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/n-k-jemisin.md) · [The Kingdom Of Gods](https://www.leafyquotes.com/n-k-jemisin/the-kingdom-of-gods.md) · p. 119 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/n-k-jemisin/the-kingdom-of-gods/skys-forecourt-had.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> The best way to manage people, he thought, was to convince them that you were good for their careers. He further believed that the only way to get people to believe that you were good for their careers was actually to be good for their careers.

[Michael Lewis](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michael-lewis.md) · [Flash Boys](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michael-lewis/flash-boys.md) · p. 26 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michael-lewis/flash-boys/the-best-way.md)

Topics: [work](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/work.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> In the end, leadership is a choice. Rank, authority, and even responsibility can be inherited or assigned, whether or not an individual desires or deserves them. Even the mantle of leadership occasionally falls to people who haven't sought it. But actually leading is different. A leader decides to accept responsibility for others in a way that assumes stewardship of their hopes, their dreams, and sometimes their very lives. It can be a crushing burden, but I found it an indescribable honor.

[General Stanley McChrystal](https://www.leafyquotes.com/general-stanley-mcchrystal.md) · [My Share of the Task](https://www.leafyquotes.com/general-stanley-mcchrystal/my-share-of-the-task.md) · p. 394 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/general-stanley-mcchrystal/my-share-of-the-task/in-the-end.md)

Topics: [responsibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/responsibility.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> People are born; leaders are made. I was born the son of a leader with a clear path to a profession of leadership. But whatever leadership I later possessed, I learned from others. I grew up in a household of overt values, many of which hardened in me only as I matured. Although history fascinated me, and mentors surrounded me, the overall direction and key decisions of my life and career were rarely impacted by specific advice, or even a particularly relevant example I'd read or seen. I rarely wondered What would Nelson, Buford, Grant, or my father have done? But as I grew, I was increasingly aware of the guideposts and guardrails that leaders had set for me, often through their examples. The question became What kind of leader have I decided to be? Over time, decisions came easily against that standard, even when the consequences were grave.

[General Stanley McChrystal](https://www.leafyquotes.com/general-stanley-mcchrystal.md) · [My Share of the Task](https://www.leafyquotes.com/general-stanley-mcchrystal/my-share-of-the-task.md) · p. 393 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/general-stanley-mcchrystal/my-share-of-the-task/people-are-born.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> All leaders are human. They get tired, angry, and jealous and carry the same range of emotions and frailties common to mankind. Most leaders periodically display them. The leaders I most admired were totally human but constantly strove to be the best humans they could be. Leaders make mistakes, and they are often costly. The first reflex is normally to deny the failure to themselves; the second is to hide it from others, because most leaders covet a reputation for infallibility. But it's a fool's dream and inherently dishonest. There are few secrets to leadership. It is mostly just hard work. More than anything else it requires self-discipline. Colorful, charismatic characters often fascinate people, even soldiers. But over time, effectiveness is what counts. Those who lead most successfully do so while looking out for their followers' welfare.

[General Stanley McChrystal](https://www.leafyquotes.com/general-stanley-mcchrystal.md) · [My Share of the Task](https://www.leafyquotes.com/general-stanley-mcchrystal/my-share-of-the-task.md) · p. 393 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/general-stanley-mcchrystal/my-share-of-the-task/all-leaders-are.md)

Topics: [mistakes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/mistakes.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Leaders are not necessarily popular. For soldiers, the choice between popularity and effectiveness is ultimately no choice at all. Soldiers want to win; their survival depends on it. They will accept, and even take pride in, the quirks and shortcomings of a leader if they believe he can produce success.

[General Stanley McChrystal](https://www.leafyquotes.com/general-stanley-mcchrystal.md) · [My Share of the Task](https://www.leafyquotes.com/general-stanley-mcchrystal/my-share-of-the-task.md) · p. 392 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/general-stanley-mcchrystal/my-share-of-the-task/leaders-are-not.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Self-discipline manifests itself in countless ways. In a leader I see it as doing those things that should be done, even when they are unpleasant, inconvenient, or dangerous; and refraining from those that shouldn't, even when they are pleasant, easy, or safe. That discipline that causes a young lieutenant to check soldier's feet for blisters or trench foot, will also carry him across a bullet-swept street to support a squad under pressure.

[General Stanley McChrystal](https://www.leafyquotes.com/general-stanley-mcchrystal.md) · [My Share of the Task](https://www.leafyquotes.com/general-stanley-mcchrystal/my-share-of-the-task.md) · p. 394 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/general-stanley-mcchrystal/my-share-of-the-task/self-discipline-manifests-itself.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md), [self-control](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/self-control.md)

> Most government and corporate leaders would have trouble getting people to follow them out of a burning building. One way you can tell the worst of them is that they talk about leadership a lot. I doubt Winston Churchill ever used the word. Or, for that matter, Attila the Hun.

[Jack Mcdevitt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-mcdevitt.md) · [Odyssey](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-mcdevitt/odyssey.md) · p. 38 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-mcdevitt/odyssey/most-government-and.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Eventually Dalinar had done what any good commander did when faced by such persistent mass insubordination: He backed down. When good men disobeyed, it was time to look at your orders.

[Brandon Sanderson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/brandon-sanderson.md) · [Rhythm of War](https://www.leafyquotes.com/brandon-sanderson/rhythm-of-war.md) · p. 666 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/brandon-sanderson/rhythm-of-war/eventually-dalinar-had.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> “We never lack men and women who wish to lead.”
>
> “True,” Dalinar said, “but we lack ones who are good at it.”

[Brandon Sanderson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/brandon-sanderson.md) · [The Way of Kings](https://www.leafyquotes.com/brandon-sanderson/the-way-of-kings.md) · p. 851 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/brandon-sanderson/the-way-of-kings/we-never-lack.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> LEADERSHIP   A form of self-preservation exhibited by people with autodestructive imaginations in order to ensure that when it comes to the crunch it’ll be someone else’s bones which go crack and not their own.

[John Brunner](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-brunner.md) · [Stand On Zanzibar](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-brunner/stand-on-zanzibar.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-brunner/stand-on-zanzibar/leadership-a-form.md)

Topics: [irony](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/irony.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> When you’ve had something for ten years that you hold so precious, it’s the toughest thing in the world to hand it over. And the only advice I can give you is, find somebody better than you to hand it to.

[Randy Pausch](https://www.leafyquotes.com/randy-pausch.md) · [The Last Lecture](https://www.leafyquotes.com/randy-pausch/the-last-lecture.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/randy-pausch/the-last-lecture/when-youve-had.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> “I lost sixty soldiers under my command.”
>
> “Your fault?” I asked.
>
> “No, but they were all my responsibility, so it amounts to the same thing.”

[Jasper Fforde](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jasper-fforde.md) · [Early Riser](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jasper-fforde/early-riser.md) · p. 285 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jasper-fforde/early-riser/i-lost-sixty.md)

Topics: [responsibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/responsibility.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> He suspected the troops felt closer to somebody who spoke a different language but asked them questions than they did to somebody who shared their language and only ever used it to give orders.

[Iain M. Banks](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks.md) · [Use Of Weapons](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks/use-of-weapons.md) · p. 394 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks/use-of-weapons/he-suspected-the.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Quality leadership is neither the product of one great individual nor the result of odd historical accidents. Rather, it comes from deeply bred traditions and communities that shape and mold talented and gifted persons. Without a vibrant tradition of resistance passed on to new generations, there can be no nurturing of a collective and critical consciousness—only professional conscientiousness survives. (p37)

[Cornel West](https://www.leafyquotes.com/cornel-west.md) · [Race Matters](https://www.leafyquotes.com/cornel-west/race-matters.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/cornel-west/race-matters/quality-leadership-is-neither.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md), [tradition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/tradition.md)

> Without some element of governance from the top, bottom-up control will freeze when options are many. Without some element of leadership, the many at the bottom will be paralysed with choices.

[Kevin Kelly](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kevin-kelly.md) · [New Rules for the New Economy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kevin-kelly/new-rules-for-the-new-economy.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kevin-kelly/new-rules-for-the-new-economy/without-some-element.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> “Hoover is one of the best men we’ve ever had for getting things done,” David said, “and one of the worst for figuring out what to do.”

[Harry Turtledove](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harry-turtledove.md) · [American Empire: The Victorious Opposition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harry-turtledove/american-empire-the-victorious-opposition.md) · p. 171 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harry-turtledove/american-empire-the-victorious-opposition/hoover-is-one.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> The ability to see what is, sir, is essential for the leader of a great nation.

[Harry Turtledove](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harry-turtledove.md) · [The Great War: Walk in Hell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harry-turtledove/the-great-war-walk-in-hell.md) · p. 8 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harry-turtledove/the-great-war-walk-in-hell/the-ability-to-see.md)

Topics: [reality](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/reality.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> On Gandhi: Don’t ever forget, that we were not lead by a saint with his head in clouds, but by a master tactician with his feet on the ground.

[Shashi Tharoor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/shashi-tharoor.md) · [The Great Indian Novel](https://www.leafyquotes.com/shashi-tharoor/the-great-indian-novel.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/shashi-tharoor/the-great-indian-novel/on-gandhi-dont.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Something in their history has moved them to patience. Wise leaders do not go to war with enemies, not even evil enemies, unless they have thought it through to the end.

[Sheri S. Tepper](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper.md) · [The Margarets](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/the-margarets.md) · p. 504 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/the-margarets/something-in-their.md)

Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [patience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/patience.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Though he was very young, only in his early twenties, he had enormous charisma. This attribute alone made him believable in the way that actors and demagogues are believable: he was so overwhelmingly convincing he was never required to demonstrate relevance.

[Sheri S. Tepper](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper.md) · [Raising The Stones](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/raising-the-stones.md) · p. 163 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/raising-the-stones/though-he-was.md)

Topics: [manipulation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/manipulation.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Some great men owe most of their greatness to the ability of detecting in those they destine for their tools the exact quality of strength that matters for their work.

[Joseph Conrad](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-conrad.md) · [Lord Jim](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-conrad/lord-jim.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-conrad/lord-jim/some-great-men.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Overall, the Pox has had the effect of an installment-plan World War III. In fact, there were several small, bloody shooting wars going on around the world during the Pox. These were stupid affairs—wastes of life and treasure. They were fought, ostensibly, to defend against vicious foreign enemies. All too often, they were actually fought because inadequate leaders did not know what else to do. Such leaders knew that they could depend on fear, suspicion, hatred, need, and greed to arouse patriotic support for war.
>
> Amid all this, somehow, the United States of America suffered a major, nonmilitary defeat. It lost no important war, yet it did not survive the Pox. Perhaps it simply lost sight of what it once intended to be, then blundered aimlessly until it exhausted itself.

[Octavia E. Butler](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler.md) · [Parable of the Talents](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler/parable-of-the-talents.md) · p. 8 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler/parable-of-the-talents/overall-the-pox.md)

Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md), [patriotism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/patriotism.md)

> It was that hard; I still feel that way. But I believe that President Bush failed to lead. History will judge him harshly not for the mistakes he made- we all make mistakes- but for the opportunities he squandered.

[Joe Biden](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joe-biden.md) · [Promises to Keep](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joe-biden/promises-to-keep.md) · p. 352 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joe-biden/promises-to-keep/it-was-that.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Alas, criticism has always been what human beings, especially leaders, most hate to hear.

[David Brin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-brin.md) · [The Transparent Society](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-brin/the-transparent-society.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-brin/the-transparent-society/alas-criticism-has.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md), [criticism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/criticism.md)

> "We don't always get the leader that we want," said Graff. "But sometimes we get to choose among the leaders that we have."

[Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [Shadow Puppets](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/shadow-puppets.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/shadow-puppets/we-dont-always.md)

Topics: [politics](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/politics.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> In manufacturing, we try to stamp out variance. With people, variance is everything.

[Jack Welch](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-welch.md) · [Jack](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-welch/jack.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-welch/jack/in-manufacturing-we-try.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md), [diversity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/diversity.md)

> Getting every employee's mind into the game is a huge part of what a CEO job is all about. Taking everyone's best ideas and transferring them to others is the secret. There's nothing more important.

[Jack Welch](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-welch.md) · [Jack](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-welch/jack.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-welch/jack/getting-every-employees.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md), [ideas](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ideas.md)

> Intellectually, Ridcully maintained his position for two reasons. One was that he never, ever, changed his mind about anything. The other was that it took him several minutes to understand any new idea put to him, and this is a very valuable trait in a leader, because anything anyone is still trying to explain to you after two minutes is probably important and anything they give up after a mere minute or so is almost certainly something they shouldn't have been bothering you with in the first place. (p. 38)

[Terry Pratchett](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett.md) · [Reaper Man](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/reaper-man.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/reaper-man/intellectually-ridcully-maintained.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> The famous Battle of Morpork, he strongly suspected had consisted of about two thousand men lost in a swamp on a cold, wet day, hacking one another into oblivion with rusty swords. What would the last King of Ankh have said to a pack of ragged men who knew they were outnumbered, outflanked and outgeneralled? Something with bite, something with edge, something like a drink of brandy to a dying man; no logic, no explanation, just words that would reach right down through a tired man's brain and pull him to his feet by his testicles.

[Terry Pratchett](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett.md) · [Wyrd Sisters](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/wyrd-sisters.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/wyrd-sisters/the-famous-battle.md)

Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> As you know, the personal strengths and weakness of a leader are no true indication of the merits of his cause.

[Roger Zelazny](https://www.leafyquotes.com/roger-zelazny.md) · [Lord of Light](https://www.leafyquotes.com/roger-zelazny/lord-of-light.md) · p. 120 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/roger-zelazny/lord-of-light/as-you-know.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> One wants in a Prime Minister a good many things, but not very great things. He should be clever but need not be a genius; he should be conscientious but by no means strait-laced; he should be cautious but never timid, bold but never venturesome; he should have a good digestion, genial manners, and, above all, a thick skin. These are the gifts we want, but we can't always get them, and have to do without them.

[Anthony Trollope](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anthony-trollope.md) · [The Prime Minister](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anthony-trollope/the-prime-minister.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anthony-trollope/the-prime-minister/one-wants-in-a-prime.md)

Topics: [politics](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/politics.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> People try so hard to believe in leaders now, pitifully hard. But we no sooner get a popular reformer or politician or soldier or writer or philosopher — a Roosevelt, a Tolstoy, a Wood, a Shaw, a Nietzsche, than the cross-currents of criticism wash him away. My Lord, no man can stand prominence these days. It's the surest path to obscurity. People get sick of hearing the same name over and over.

[F.Scott Fitzgerald](https://www.leafyquotes.com/fscott-fitzgerald.md) · [This Side of Paradise](https://www.leafyquotes.com/fscott-fitzgerald/this-side-of-paradise.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/fscott-fitzgerald/this-side-of-paradise/people-try-so-hard.md)

Topics: [fame](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/fame.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> In essence, leaders are people who "walk ahead," people genuinely committed to deep changes, in themselves and in their organizations.

[Peter M. Senge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-m-senge.md) · [The Dance of Change](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-m-senge/the-dance-of-change.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-m-senge/the-dance-of-change/in-essence-leaders.md)

Topics: [change](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/change.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> No, Your Majesty, I do not like kings, but I do like a man be­hind a king when I find him.

[Andrew Carnegie](https://www.leafyquotes.com/andrew-carnegie.md) · [The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie](https://www.leafyquotes.com/andrew-carnegie/the-autobiography-of-andrew-carnegie.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/andrew-carnegie/the-autobiography-of-andrew-carnegie/no-your-majesty.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Great leaders are formed only by taking on great challenges.

[Garry Kasparov](https://www.leafyquotes.com/garry-kasparov.md) · [Winter Is Coming](https://www.leafyquotes.com/garry-kasparov/winter-is-coming.md) · p. 190 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/garry-kasparov/winter-is-coming/great-leaders-are.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> “She’s such a bitch,” Tina says, which I find a little contradictory, but overall quite true. “She’s got to be in charge of everything.”
>
> I sit next to her. “Well, I guess. But in business, that’s leadership.”
>
> Tina stares at me for a second. “I can’t believe you consider that a positive trait. How about her inability to accept other points of view? Is it good leadership to be narrow, too?”
>
> “Focus,” I say. “They call that focus.”
>
> Tina stares at me. “Her paranoia?”
>
> “Business savvy.”
>
> “Compulsive need to have everything just how she wants it?”
>
> “Organizational skills.”
>
> “Aggressiveness?”
>
> “Aggressiveness,” I say, “is already a good thing.”
>
> “Jesus Christ,” Tina says, her eyebrow ring glinting in the morning sun. “Sometimes I worry about this country.”

[Max Barry](https://www.leafyquotes.com/max-barry.md) · [Syrup](https://www.leafyquotes.com/max-barry/syrup.md) · p. 162 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/max-barry/syrup/shes-such-a-bitch.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md), [business](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/business.md)

> "You leave me without hope," Brys said.
>
> "I am sorry for that. Do not seek to find hope among your leaders. They are the repositories of poison. Their interest in you extends only so far as their ability to control you. For you, they seek duty and obedience, and they will ply you with the language of stirring faith. They seek followers, and woe to those who question, or voice challenge."

[Steven Erikson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-erikson.md) · [Midnight Tides](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-erikson/midnight-tides.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-erikson/midnight-tides/you-leave-me-without.md)

Topics: [manipulation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/manipulation.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> "The man who lets a leader prescribe his course is a wreck being towed to the scrap heap."

[Ayn Rand](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ayn-rand.md) · [Atlas Shrugged](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ayn-rand/atlas-shrugged.md) · p. 1020 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ayn-rand/atlas-shrugged/the-man-who.md)

Topics: [conformity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conformity.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> The more physical the activity, the less the difficulties will be. The more the activity becomes intellectual and turns into motives which exercise a determining influence on the commander's will, the more the difficulties will increase.

[Carl von Clausewitz](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-von-clausewitz.md) · [On War](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-von-clausewitz/on-war.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-von-clausewitz/on-war/the-more-physical.md)

Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> The urge to excel and the urge to lead aren’t the same. Sometimes I think they may be opposites.

[Kim Stanley Robinson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson.md) · [Red Mars](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson/red-mars.md) · p. 67 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson/red-mars/the-urge-to-excel.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> So it is with all the great leaders: the commodity they have to sell is personality. Mere ideas can be left to lesser men.

[Robert Silverberg](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-silverberg.md) · [The Stochastic Man](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-silverberg/the-stochastic-man.md) · p. 73 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-silverberg/the-stochastic-man/so-it-is-with.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> “You’ve behaved very highhandedly, Captain Mallory. Is that the custom out here?”
>
> “The custom is, sir, that those who know a situation handle it and those who don’t watch and learn, or get out of the way.”

[C. J. Cherryh](https://www.leafyquotes.com/c-j-cherryh.md) · [Downbelow Station](https://www.leafyquotes.com/c-j-cherryh/downbelow-station.md) · p. 34 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/c-j-cherryh/downbelow-station/youve-behaved-very.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> We need no chieftain; such folk eat more than their share.

[Jack Vance](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance.md) · [Rhialto the Marvellous](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance/rhialto-the-marvellous.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance/rhialto-the-marvellous/we-need-no-chieftain.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> He that is to govern a whole Nation, must read in himself, not this, or that particular man; but Mankind; which though it be hard to do, harder than to learn any Language, or Science; yet, when I shall have set down my own reading orderly, and perspicuously, the pains left another, will be only to consider, if he also find not the same in himself. For this kind of Doctrine, admitteth no other Demonstration.

[Thomas Hobbes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-hobbes.md) · [Leviathan](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-hobbes/leviathan.md) · p. 2 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-hobbes/leviathan/he-that-is-to-govern.md)

Topics: [self-knowledge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/self-knowledge.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> "Any man who would change the World in a significant way must have showmanship, a genial willingness to shed other people's blood, and a plausible new religion to introduce during the brief period of repentance and horror that usually follows bloodshed.
>
> "Every failure of Earthling leadership has been traceable to a lack on the part of the leader," says Rumfoord, "of at least one of these three things."

[Kurt Vonnegut](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kurt-vonnegut.md) · [The Sirens of Titan](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kurt-vonnegut/the-sirens-of-titan.md) · p. 174 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kurt-vonnegut/the-sirens-of-titan/any-man-who.md)

Topics: [religion](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/religion.md), [violence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/violence.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> One cannot assert authority by accepting one's own fallibility. Simply, people need to be blinded by knowledge - we are made to follow leaders who can gather people together because the advantages of being in groups trump the disadvantages of being alone. It has been more profitable for us to bind together in the wrong direction than to be alone in the right one. Those who have followed the assertive idiot rather than the introspective wise person have passed us some of their genes. This is apparent from a social pathology: psychopaths rally followers.

[Nassim Nicholas Taleb](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb.md) · [The Black Swan](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/the-black-swan.md) · p. 192 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/the-black-swan/one-cannot-assert.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md), [authority figures](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/authority-figures.md)

> A man, a real man, must never be an agent, a tool, or a gambler—acting for himself or for others—he must employ such. A real man—a financier—was never a tool. He used tools. He created. He led.

[Theodore Dreiser](https://www.leafyquotes.com/theodore-dreiser.md) · [The Financier](https://www.leafyquotes.com/theodore-dreiser/the-financier.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/theodore-dreiser/the-financier/a-man-a-real.md)

Topics: [money](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/money.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> What Alvin figured out was that when you're Making, you don't use people like tools. You don't wear them out to achieve your purpose. You wear yourself out helping them achieve theirs. You wear yourself out teaching and guiding, persuading and listening to advice and letting folks persuade you, when it happens they're right.

[Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [Alvin Journeyman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/alvin-journeyman.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/alvin-journeyman/what-alvin-figured.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md), [helping others](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/helping-others.md)

> Sometimes those who care for the whole community must act in a way that harms the individual. For a good man it never becomes easy and he avoids it when he can; but when people need him to be harsh, he will be harsh indeed, and he won't shrink from it, he'll do it with his own hand and let it be known what he does.

[Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [Earthfall](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/earthfall.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/earthfall/sometimes-those-who.md)

Topics: [responsibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/responsibility.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> How does he do it? How does he master people without bluster or bullying? How does he make people fear him or love him, not in spite of his ruthlessness but because of it?

[Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [The Call Of Earth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/the-call-of-earth.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/the-call-of-earth/how-does-he.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> I don't care how loyal you think you're going to be, Dink. It's not in you. You're a brat and you always will be. So admit what a lousy follower you are, and go ahead and LEAD.

[Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [Shadow Of The Giant](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/shadow-of-the-giant.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/shadow-of-the-giant/i-dont-care.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> "To create a race of masters from a race of slaves, Mr. Whittier said, to teach a controlled group of how to create their own lives, Moses had to be an asshole."

[Chuck Palahniuk](https://www.leafyquotes.com/chuck-palahniuk.md) · [Haunted](https://www.leafyquotes.com/chuck-palahniuk/haunted.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/chuck-palahniuk/haunted/to-create-a-race.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Will people ever be wise enough to refuse to follow bad leaders or to take away the freedom of other people? (16 October 1939)

[Eleanor Roosevelt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/eleanor-roosevelt.md) · [My Day](https://www.leafyquotes.com/eleanor-roosevelt/my-day.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/eleanor-roosevelt/my-day/will-people-ever.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> The difference between a good administrator and a bad one is about five heartbeats. Good administrators make immediate choices ... [that] usually can be made to work. A bad administrator, on the other hand, hesitates, diddles around, asks for committees, for research and reports. Eventually, he acts in ways which create serious problems...A bad administrator is more concerned with reports than with decisions. He wants the hard record which he can display as an excuse for his errors... [Good administrators] depend on verbal orders. They never lie about what they've done if their verbal orders cause problems, and they surround themselves with people able to act wisely on the basis of verbal orders. Often, the most important piece of information is that something has gone wrong. Bad administrators hide their mistakes until it's too late to make corrections ... One of the hardest things to find is people who actually make decisions.

[Frank Herbert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert.md) · [God Emperor of Dune](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/god-emperor-of-dune.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/god-emperor-of-dune/the-difference-between.md)

Topics: [choices](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/choices.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> The problem of leadership is inevitably: Who will play God?

[Frank Herbert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert.md) · [God Emperor of Dune](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/god-emperor-of-dune.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/god-emperor-of-dune/the-problem-of-leadership.md)

Topics: [god](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/god.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Good government never depends upon laws, but upon the personal qualities of those who govern. The machinery of government is always subordinate to the will of those who administer that machinery. The most important element of government, therefore, is the method of choosing leaders.

[Frank Herbert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert.md) · [Children Of Dune](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/children-of-dune.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/children-of-dune/good-government-never.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Everything around him moved smoothly in the ancient routine that required no orders.
>
> "Give as few orders as possible," his father had told him…once…long ago. "Once you've given orders on a subject, you must always give orders on that subject."
>
> The Fremen knew this rule instinctively.

[Frank Herbert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert.md) · [Dune](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/dune.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/dune/everything-around-him.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> To accomplish his object Ahab must use tools; and of all tools used in the shadow of the moon, men are most apt to get out of order.

[Herman Melville](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herman-melville.md) · [Moby-Dick](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herman-melville/moby-dick.md) · p. 235 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herman-melville/moby-dick/to-accomplish-his.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> It's better to sail with a moody good captain than a laughing bad one.

[Herman Melville](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herman-melville.md) · [Moby-Dick](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herman-melville/moby-dick.md) · p. 90 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herman-melville/moby-dick/its-better-to-sail.md)

Topics: [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> Little can be hoped for from a ruler... who has not at some time or other been preoccupied, even if only confusedly, with the first beginning and ultimate end of all things, and above all of man, with the "why" of his origin and the "wherefore" of his destiny.

[Miguel de Unamuno](https://www.leafyquotes.com/miguel-de-unamuno.md) · [Tragic Sense of Life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/miguel-de-unamuno/tragic-sense-of-life.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/miguel-de-unamuno/tragic-sense-of-life/little-can-be-hoped.md)

Topics: [meaning of life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/meaning-of-life.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)