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The ability to plan for what has not yet happened, for a future that has only been imagined, is one of the hallmarks of leadership.
Warren G. Bennis
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Effective leadership involves foresight and the ability to envision future possibilities.

This quote emphasizes the importance of planning and foresight in leadership. It suggests that a true leader is distinguished by their ability to strategically envision and prepare for future scenarios that have not yet materialized, highlighting the critical role of imagination in guiding teams toward success.

Themes

LeadershipPlanningForesightFutureImagination

In practice

Example use cases

During a team meeting, one might say, 'As leaders, we must embrace the ability to plan for what has not yet happened.'

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