The ultimate test of practical leadership is the realization of intended, real change that meets people's enduring needs.
James Macgregor BurnsRead
To elevate the goals of humankind, to achieve high moral purpose, to realize major intended change, leaders must thrust themselves into the most intractable processes and structures of history and ultimately master them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Leaders must engage with difficult processes of history to achieve meaningful change.
This quote emphasizes the responsibility of leaders to actively participate in challenging and complex situations in order to promote significant moral and societal progress. It suggests that to elevate the goals of humanity and foster major changes, leaders need to immerse themselves in historical contexts and confront difficult structures and processes head-on, ultimately mastering them to create a better future.
Themes
LeadershipChangeMoralityHistoryProgress
In practice
Example use cases
In a corporate meeting discussing future visions, this quote can inspire executives to tackle tough challenges.
More from James Macgregor Burns
All quotes →Leadership is one of the most observed and least understood phenomena on earth.
James Macgregor BurnsRead
Leaders are not pale reflectors of major social conflicts; they play up some, play down others, ignore still others.
James Macgregor BurnsRead
Woodrow Wilson called for leaders who, by boldly interpreting the nation's conscience, could lift a people out of their everyday selves. That people can be lifted into their better selves is the secret of transforming leadership.
James Macgregor BurnsRead
Similar quotes
I'm a control freak. If you're going to slap my name on something, I would like to control it.
Anthony BourdainRead
Leadership is a two-way street, loyalty up and loyalty down. _x000D_ _x000D_ Respect for one's superiors; care for one's crew.
Grace HopperRead
Too many leaders are so caught up in the momentum of work that they lose sight of the opportunity to connect with people. I discovered that the more fully present I was with other people, the more fully present they were with me, and the more productive our relationship became over time.
Douglas ConantRead
I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas, but what I decided to do was to fulfill my profession, which I entered before my husband was in public life
Hillary ClintonRead
The functions of the president are prescribed by the Constitution, but his real achievements are not set by the letter of the law. They are determined rather by his personality, the weight of his influence, his capacity for managing men, and the strength and effectiveness of the party forces behind him.
Charles A. BeardRead
The failure of women to have reached positions of leadership has been due in large part to social and professional discrimination.
Rosalyn Sussman YalowRead