Colin Powell

"Mistakes are a part of the dues one pays for daring to act in a bold and noble fashion."

"Don't pick a fight unless you know you can win it."

"Leadership is all about people. It's not about organizations. It's not about strategies. It's all about people."

"Stay close to your friends and family, they are your greatest treasure."

"When you take responsibility, people respect you."

"Never underestimate the power of human connection and genuine interest in others."

"The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives."

"Focus on solutions, not on blame."

"Develop your people. Great leaders develop their people. That's what separates managers from leaders."

"I've always believed that what matters most is the content of your character, not the color of your skin."

"You should be humble about what you don't know."

"Confidence is something you develop through constant preparation and practice."

"Listen more than you talk. That's the mark of a great leader."

"History will be the judge of all our actions."

"If you want to achieve something, you must be willing to work for it."

"Change is inevitable. Progress is optional."

"There is no substitute for hard work in developing your talents and abilities."

"You have to be honest with yourself and with others about your capabilities."

"The most important investments are the ones you make in people."

"Your reputation is the most valuable asset you can possess."

"Challenge yourself to do better, to be better every single day."

"Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of freedom."

"If you are convinced you are right, you must be willing to defend it."

"Respect doesn't come from your title; it comes from your actions."

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do."

"Keep learning. The moment you stop learning is the moment you stop leading."

"Optimism is a better choice than cynicism, even if it doesn't always feel earned."

"Take care of your body. It's the only one you'll ever have."

"Don't let other people's limitations define your potential."

"A good leader is someone who commands with authority but governs with grace."