My half-baked reading of history is that we continue to go through these waves of entrepreneurial explosion followed by merger mania and consolidation. Out of that come big sluggish companies that eventually collapse under the weight of what they've created, and are killed off by the next wave of entrepreneurs.
Leaders don't create followers, they create more leaders.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True leaders nurture and empower others to become leaders themselves, rather than simply gathering followers.
This quote by Tom Peters emphasizes the transformative role of a leader. It suggests that effective leaders should focus on developing the potential of those around them, fostering an environment where individuals are inspired and encouraged to rise to leadership roles themselves. This approach not only increases the overall effectiveness of a team or organization but also contributes to a culture of collaboration and growth. Leaders are more successful when they empower others to lead rather than merely commanding a following.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a corporate training session to highlight the importance of mentoring.
More from Tom Peters
All quotes βThe simple act of paying positive attention to people has a great deal to do with productivity.
Nearly 100% of innovation-from business to politics-is inspired not by "market analysis" but by people who are supremely pissed off by the way things are.
The little people will get even, which is one of a thousand reasons why they are not little people at all. If you're a jerk as a leader, you will be torpedoed. And usually it won't be by your vice presidents; it will be on the loading dock at 3am when no supervisors are around.
Champions are pioneers, and pioneers get shot at. The companies that get the most from champions, therefore, are those that have rich support network so their pioneers will flourish. This point is so important it's hard to overstress. No support systems, no champions. No champions, no innovations.
If you're not confused, you're not paying attention.
Similar quotes
I ask particularly that those of you who are now in school will prepare yourselves to bear the burden of leadership over the next 40 years here in the United States, and make sure that the United States - which I believe almost alone has maintained watch and ward for freedom - that the United States meet its responsibility. That is a wonderful challenge for us as a people.
My idea of management is that what your job is as the boss is to find really good people and empower them and leave them alone.
Never forget that no military leader has ever become great without audacity.
Must! Is must a word to be addressed to princes? Little man, little man! Thy father, if he had been alive, durst not have used that word.
The people I don't like to work with are people like me. I need people who can complement my skill set, people who can do the nitty gritty with me.
When you disarm your subjects, however, you offend them by showing that either from cowardliness or lack of faith, you distrust them; and either conclusion will induce them to hate you.