I am like a man so busy in letting rooms in one end of his house, that he can't stop to put out the fire that is burning the other.
Abraham LincolnRead
Standing as I do, with my hand upon this staff, and under the folds of the American flag, I ask you to stand by me so long as I stand by it.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of loyalty and support in leadership, highlighting the bond between a leader and their followers.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln calls for unity and support, suggesting that true leadership is built on mutual trust and cooperation. He uses the imagery of standing with a staff and the American flag to symbolize strength and patriotism, urging individuals to stand with him in shared principles and values, reinforcing the idea that collective support is essential for effective leadership.
In practice
In a speech before a gathering, a leader might reference Lincoln's quote to inspire teamwork among members.
I am like a man so busy in letting rooms in one end of his house, that he can't stop to put out the fire that is burning the other.
Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg.
For it has been said, all that a man hath will he give for his life; and while all contribute of their substance the soldier puts his life at stake, and often yields it up in his country's cause. The highest merit, then is due to the soldier.
And having thus chosen our course, without guile, and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear, and with manly hearts.
I've had some 'riotous excursions of the human spirit' alongside the young Sailors and Marines, and it's time to leave the stage to the young leaders who got their rank the old-fashioned way - they earned their stripes in combat.
You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.
I feel a real sense of duty to use the voice and the platform I've been afforded by my fame to speak out for those whose voices don't get a chance to be heard.
I don't just try to score. The challenge is elevating my teammates to be able to win a championship.
When the higher officers are angry and insubordinate, and on meeting the enemy give battle on their own account from a feeling of resentment, before the commander-in-chief can tell whether or not he is in a position to fight, the result is ruin.
Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.