So as through a glass and darkly_x000D_ The age long strife I see_x000D_ Where I fought in many guises,_x000D_ Many names - but always me.
George S. PattonRead
Lack of orders is no excuse for inaction.
Interpretation
In the absence of direction, taking initiative is still necessary.
This quote by George S. Patton underscores the importance of proactive behavior, especially in leadership roles. It conveys that even when specific orders or instructions are not given, individuals should not remain idle; instead, they should take responsibility and act decisively in order to achieve objectives and maintain progress.
In practice
A manager can use this quote in a team meeting to encourage employees to take action without waiting for explicit instructions.
So as through a glass and darkly_x000D_ The age long strife I see_x000D_ Where I fought in many guises,_x000D_ Many names - but always me.
A man must know his destiny… if he does not recognize it, then he is lost. By this I mean, once, twice, or at the very most, three times, fate will reach out and tap a man on the shoulder… if he has the imagination, he will turn around and fate will point out to him what fork in the road he should take, if he has the guts, he will take it.
There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time.
The fixed determination to have acquired the warrior soul, to either conquer or perish with honor, is the secret of victory.
I am the best damn ass-kicker in the whole U.S. Army!
Do not try to make circumstances fit your plans. Make plans that fit the circumstances.
Very often, organizations are inflexible because there is too little communication between functions; they are too segregated.
If you look to lead, invest at least 40% of your time managing yourself - your ethics, character, principles, purpose, motivation, and conduct. Invest at least 30% managing those with authority over you, and 15% managing your peers.
When Jim Irsay called me five years ago, he told me, 'I want you to be our coach and help us win the Super Bowl.' He told me, 'We are going win it the right way. We are going to win it with great guys; win it with class and dignity. We are going to win it in a way that will make Indianapolis proud.'
There are times when even the best manager is like the little boy with the big dog, waiting to see where the dog wants to go so he can take him there.
He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.
The first step for a leader is to be right with yourself. Integrity is the basis of leadership.
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