Top Leadership Quotes Part 1
Why Motivation Follows Action—and Why How You Work is Often As Important As What You Do.
Hello Bar-Setters!
I’ve been spending some time lately clarifying core values, mission, purpose, etc. In the process, I’ve identified my top 10 leadership-focused quotes. I’ve split those 10 quotes into 3 categories:
Quotes on Discipline, Action, and Approach
Quotes on Empathy, Wisdom, and Perspective
Quotes on Vision, Conviction, Courage, and Purpose
For today, I’ll share the Quotes on Discipline, Action, and Approach.
All of this is aspirational, of course. I conducted this exercise as a sort of self-coaching. But I hope you find it useful.
Onward!
Quote 1:
“When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.” —George Washington Carver
I first heard this quote in an interview with Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney. It is consistent with what other great coaches like Nick Saban preach, as well as other top performers like Josh Waitzkin, who was a chess prodigy and martial arts world champion. Most great leaders seem to have a keen sense that greatness is far less about fantastic displays of talent than consistency, attention to detail, and the spirit that you work with. I have found over and over again in my life that it isn’t what you do or say that matters as much as how you do and say it.
As a brilliant and related Zen saying goes:
“Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.”
The energy, attitude, and the way you show up for each person are what really separate great leaders. Great leaders grasp that little details can make a big difference. They also grasp that communication is far more about your model, your posture, your energy, and your conviction than just what you say.
Likewise, they demand excellence in the details and in the spirit of each performance. As basketball coaching legend Phil Jackson said:
“Focus on the spirit, not the scoreboard.”
Quote 2:
“Inspiration is something you do, not something you catch.” —Maya Angelou
This quote has been on the white board in my office for many years. I first heard a version of this from Tony Robbins. Similar to the first quote, this is a reminder that as a leader I have to take control of my state and take action to ensure that I have the right energy and outlook. To quote Ralph Waldo Emerson:
“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
A leader’s energy is contagious. Leaders must take control of their energy levels and they must consistently march toward goals even when they do not feel like it.
This quote helps me remember that I will not become the leader I want to be or accomplish big goals by riding a spontaneous wave of inspiration. It will happen because I create inspiration through a disciplined commitment to daily actions that help feed my spirit. When I need direction, energy, or motivation, it is up to me to act to make that more likely.
This reminds me of another of my favorite quotes:
“Never mind likes and dislikes; they are of no consequence. Just do what must be done. This may not be happiness, but it is greatness.” —George Bernard Shaw
Action, not self talk, is what is most likely to make the difference. Do what must be done in the spirit it must be done and the inspiration will follow.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shane