Humility must always be the portion of any man who receives acclaim earned in the blood of his followers and the sacrifices of his friends.
Interpretation
True leaders must remain humble, recognizing the sacrifices made by others for their success.
This quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower emphasizes the importance of humility in leadership. It suggests that a leader who gains praise and recognition should always remember the contributions and sacrifices made by their supporters and friends. Acknowledging the efforts of others fosters respect, loyalty, and a deeper understanding of the collective struggle behind personal accomplishments.
In practice
In a speech honoring veterans, one might say this quote to emphasize the importance of gratitude in leadership.
If a man's associates find him guilty of being phony, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.
The libraries of America are and must ever remain the home of free and inquiring minds. To them, our citizens-of all ages and races, of all creeds and persuasions-must be able to turn with clear confidence that there they can freely seek the whole truth, unvarnished by fashion and uncompromised by expediency.
You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.
When pressure mounts and strain increases everyone begins to show the weaknesses in his makeup. It is up to the Commander to conceal his: above all to conceal doubt, fear, and distrust.
Some years ago I became president of Columbia University and learned within 24 hours to be ready to speak at the drop of a hat, and I learned something more, the trustees were expected to be ready to speak at the passing of the hat.
I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.
The cost of leadership is self-interest.
One of the key qualities a leader must possess is the ability to detach from the chaos, mayhem, and emotions in a situation and make good, clear decisions based on what is actually happening.
What are our priorities? First, the welfare, the survival of the people. Then, democratic norms and processes which from time to time we have to suspend.
I think where political issues invade moral situations, spiritual leaders have to speak out.
In war, discipline can do more than fury.
We periodically note that there are no silver bullets, there are no magic formulas, there's no single action or component of the overall... comprehensive civil-military approach.
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