A chief is a man who assumes responsibility. He says 'I was beaten,' he does not say 'My men were beaten.'
Interpretation
A true leader takes responsibility for their team's outcomes, whether good or bad.
This quote emphasizes the essence of effective leadership by asserting that a true leader does not shift blame onto others. Instead, they own their actions and the results of their team's efforts, demonstrating accountability and a commitment to learning from failures. This attitude fosters trust and respect within a team and inspires others to adopt a similar sense of responsibility.
In practice
In a team meeting, while discussing project setbacks, you could cite this quote to remind everyone of the importance of shared accountability.
Grown-ups love figures... When you tell them you've made a new friend they never ask you any questions about essential matters. They never say to you "What does his voice sound like? What games does he love best? Does he collect butterflies? " Instead they demand "How old is he? How much does he weigh? How much money does his father make? " Only from these figures do they think they have learned anything about him.
Attitude is a paintbrush. It colors everything!
Water, thou hast no taste, no color, no odor; canst not be defined, art relished while ever mysterious. Not necessary to life, but rather life itself, thou fillest us with a gratification that exceeds the delight of the senses.
In those days, I didn't understand anything. I should have judged her according to her actions, not her words. She perfumed my planet and lit up my life. I should never have run away! I ought to have realized the tenderness underlying her silly pretensions. Flowers are so contadictory! But I was too young to know how to love her.
When a mystery is too overpowering, one dare not disobey.
When the body sinks into death, the essence of man is revealed. Man is a knot, a web, a mesh into which relationships are tied. Only those relationships matter. The body is an old crock that nobody will miss. I have never known a man to think of himself when dying. Never.
There is only one form of political strategy in which I have any confidence, and that is to try to do the right thing and sometimes be able to succeed.
To find a clear identity for the team - that is not about buying certain players for a lot of money. It is about getting players who want to play the right way.
A person, who no matter how desperate the situation, gives others hope, is a true leader.
I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president - not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans.
It would be counterproductive to tell people exactly what they are supposed to do and exactly how they are supposed to do it to a point where they become more concerned about your expectations than about completing their work in a quality way.
One cannot govern with 'buts'.
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