The difference between a good and great officer is about ten seconds.
Arleigh BurkeRead
Any commander who fails to exceed his authority is not of much use to his subordinates.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Effective leaders must exercise their authority to benefit their team.
This quote emphasizes the importance of leadership and decisiveness. A commander, or leader, who does not take initiative or make decisions beyond their assigned limits is not fulfilling their potential role and thereby fails to provide the necessary guidance or support to their subordinates. True leadership involves recognizing when to take charge and using one's authority for the betterment of the team.
Themes
LeadershipAuthorityDecision-MakingGuidanceInitiative
In practice
Example use cases
In a corporate meeting, one might say this quote to inspire managers to take decisive action.
More from Arleigh Burke
All quotes →Similar quotes
I want a president with a record of public service, someone whose life's work shows our children that we don't chase fame and fortune for ourselves: we fight to give everyone a chance to succeed.
Michelle ObamaRead
The manager has a short-range view; the leader has a long-range perspective.
Warren G. BennisRead
Giving people self-confidence is by far the most important thing that I can do. Because then they will act.
Jack WelchRead
There are only four types of officer. First, there are the lazy, stupid ones. Leave them alone, they do no harm…Second, there are the hard- working, intelligent ones. They make excellent staff officers, ensuring that every detail is properly considered. Third, there are the hard- working, stupid ones. These people are a menace and must be fired at once. They create irrelevant work for everybody. Finally, there are the intelligent, lazy ones. They are suited for the highest office.
Erich Von MansteinRead
There are blessed intervals when I forget by one means or another that I am President of the United States.
Woodrow WilsonRead
Hence the saying: The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead; the good general cultivates his resources.
Sun TzuRead