Leadership Quotes

What separates leaders from the crowd? These words from history's most influential figures reveal the answer.

30104 quotes

R
"The most important quality in a leader is the ability to make tough decisions."
Richard Winters
R
"The measure of a leader is how well his men perform in his absence."
Richard Winters
R
"I never understood why some men were born leaders and others were not until I witnessed Easy Company."
Richard Winters
R
"A leader's true strength is measured by the strength of his men."
Richard Winters
G
"A true warrior does not seek war, but stands ready to defend what he loves."
Geronimo
G
"My enemies feared me, but those who knew me understood that I fought only for what was right."
Geronimo
G
"A true leader puts the needs of his people before his own safety."
Geronimo
G
"A man must be willing to sacrifice everything for his people."
Geronimo
A
"Honor your commitments, even when it costs you."
Audie Murphy
A
"Leadership is earned through sacrifice, not demanded through rank."
Audie Murphy
"I am the follower of the Shawnee people, and I will lead them to greatness or perish in the attempt."
Tecumseh
"A leader who does not listen to his people is merely a man shouting into the wind."
Tecumseh
"A chief who leads his people to unnecessary death is no chief, but a murderer wearing a crown."
Tecumseh
"A warrior's greatest victory is not on the battlefield, but in the hearts of his people."
Tecumseh
A
"Your character is your legacy."
Alvin York
A
"The world needs more men of principle and fewer men of ego."
Alvin York
A
"Leadership is earned through example, not demand."
Alvin York
A
"Modesty is the hallmark of a true leader."
Alvin York
S
"To understand your enemy, you must first understand yourself."
Sitting Bull
S
"To lead is to serve, not to command."
Sitting Bull
S
"Leadership is the burden of responsibility carried with grace."
Sitting Bull
C
"A soldier's greatest strength is not the weapon he carries, but the principles he stands for."
Colin Powell
C
"A leader is one who walks ahead and shows the way."
Colin Powell
C
"Being responsible sometimes means making people angry."
Colin Powell
C
"Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them."
Colin Powell
C
"The worst thing for a leader to do is put themselves on a pedestal."
Colin Powell
C
"Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you."
Colin Powell
C
"The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership."
Colin Powell
C
"Have a vision. Be demanding. Have people around you that can execute. Deliver results."
Colin Powell
C
"The most important thing in leadership is not what you say, it's what you do."
Colin Powell