Quotable quotes: about leaders
July 6, 2008 by Miki Saxon
I am a great fan of Lao Tzu and use the final lines from one of his many discourses on leadership in the header of this blog.
Bennet Simonton, when commenting on a recent post, said, “I like your Lao Tzu quote, by the way. I also like these two.”
“The consummate leader cultivates the moral law and strictly adheres to its methods and discipline.
The moral law causes people to be in complete accord with their ruler so that they will follow him regardless of their lives, undismayed by any danger.” –Sun Tzu 400-320 BC (I’m not a lover of the Art of War. Leaders aren’t (shouldn’t be?) rulers.)
“You Should Value People Most, Yourself As Leader The Least.” –Mencius 400BC (Love this one. Any ideas on how to sell this to today’s oversize corporate egos?)
What’s your favorite description of a leader?
Your comments—priceless
I like John Adair’s short course for Leadership:
The 6 most important words… “I admit I made a mistake.”
The 5 most important words………. “I am proud of you.”
The 4 most important words… “What is your opinion?”
The 3 most important words… “If you please.”
The 2 most important words… “Thank you.”
The 1 most important word… “We.”
The least important word…….”I.”
Phil
http://www.the-happy-manager.com/leadership-quotes.html
Hi Phil, thanks for stopping by and adding to the conversation.
Actually, this really gets my goat. Not that it’s not a great quote and right on, but that it applies just as much to managers and team members…as well as parents, teachers, students, followers, humans, etc., etc.
Without discipline u have no direction in life.
You are so right, Phila. Thanks for stopping by and adding to the conversation.