Our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here, the people rule.
Gerald R. FordRead
I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your President by your ballots, so I ask you to confirm me with your prayers.
Interpretation
The speaker acknowledges that their position is not backed by popular vote and seeks validation through spiritual support.
In this quote, Gerald R. Ford humbly recognizes that his presidency was not the result of a direct election by the people, but rather an appointment following a challenging political transition. He appeals to the public for their prayers and support, suggesting that leadership is not only about authority derived from votes but also about gaining the trust and goodwill of the people.
In practice
During a speech at a community gathering to promote unity and support.
Our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here, the people rule.
For millions of men and women, the church has been the hospital for the soul, the school for the mind and the safe depository for moral ideas.
History and experience tell us that moral progress comes not in comfortable and complacent times, but out of trial and confusion.
To be a great leader, you firstly have to like people. If you don't like people, at the end of the day they will figure this out and you can't lead them too well.
I have heard that one can conquer the empire on horseback, but one cannot govern it on horseback.
I am the attorney general of the United States. But I am also a black man.
Great leaders don't need to act tough. Their confidence and humility serve to underscore their toughness.
I'm a bit tight with money, but so what? I look at the money I'm about to spend on myself and ask myself if IKEA's customers can afford it... I could regularly travel first class, but having money in abundance doesn't seem like a good reason to waste it.. If there is such a thing as good leadership, it is to give a good example. I have to do so for all the IKEA employees.
When team members openly and passionately share their opinions about a decision, they don't wonder whether anyone is holding back. Then, when the leader has to step in and make a decision because there is no easy consensus, team members will accept that decision because they know that their ideas were heard and considered.
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