Leadership Quotes

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

30104 quotes

W
"The man of vision sees opportunity where others see only obstacles."
William K. Vanderbilt
W
"To inspire confidence in others is to become truly powerful."
William K. Vanderbilt
W
"To understand power is to understand its responsibility."
William K. Vanderbilt
R
"I build not just factories, but the foundation of a new era."
Richard Arkwright
R
"The factory system concentrates both power and responsibility in capable hands."
Richard Arkwright
R
"The future belongs to those who understand both business and mechanics."
Richard Arkwright
"A tool is worthless without the vision that directs its use."
Jedediah Strutt
R
"To change institutions, you must first change the hearts of men."
Robert Owen
R
"To improve society, you must improve the individual; to improve the individual, you must improve society."
Robert Owen
R
"The strength of a nation is measured by the well-being of its working people."
Robert Owen
"To manufacture with excellence is to serve mankind."
Matthew Boulton
"To employ thousands is to bear a sacred responsibility to their families."
Matthew Boulton
"I believe that the mark of a true leader is the success of those he leads."
Matthew Boulton
"The workshop is a democracy where only excellence holds the vote."
Matthew Boulton
"To manufacture with integrity is to cast a vote for civilization itself."
Matthew Boulton
W
"To build an empire, one must first understand the foundations upon which all empires crumble."
William Astor
W
"To command respect, one need not command armies, but rather command one's own integrity."
William Astor
W
"The greatest leaders are those who make themselves unnecessary."
William Astor
W
"The leader who listens more than speaks often leads most effectively."
William Astor
G
"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."
George Stephenson
G
"A leader is one who knows the way, shows the way, and goes the way."
George Stephenson
G
"Vision without action is a dream; action without vision is drudgery."
George Stephenson
G
"Leaders inspire others to greatness."
George Stephenson
I
"The most important thing is to use your judgment, never follow orders blindly."
Isambard Kingdom Brunel
I
"The practical engineer is not merely a man of science."
Isambard Kingdom Brunel
I
"True leadership is inspiring others to believe in your vision."
Isambard Kingdom Brunel
I
"The engineer is the architect of the future."
Isambard Kingdom Brunel
"The legacy of a man is not what he owns, but what he builds and what he teaches others."
Cornelius Vanderbilt II
"A business is only as strong as the men and women who work within it."
Cornelius Vanderbilt II
"To lead men, you must first understand what drives them – ambition, fear, or hope."
Cornelius Vanderbilt II