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
The main quality of leadership..........is courage ! If you can dream it, you can do it!
The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.
Make your employer feel truthfully that you are sincere with him; that you are going to promote his interest; that you are going to stand for the things which he represents; that you are proud of being a member of his staff, and there is nothing that will reap you a richer reward. Loyalty above all!
In organizations, once you articulate how success will be measured, everybody tries to game the system so that they are measured in the best possible way.
If you're a leader, a fellow that other fellows look to, you've got to keep going.
I was not elected to produce a pile of vetoes.