How many on their deathbeds wished they'd spent more time at the office - or watching TV? The answer is, No one.
Stephen CoveyRead
When we say that leadership is a choice, it basically means you can choose the level of initiative you want to exercise in response to the question, ‘What is the best I can do under the given circumstances?’
Interpretation
What this quote means
Leadership involves making conscious choices about how to respond to situations.
Stephen Covey emphasizes that leadership is not an inherent trait but a deliberate choice individuals make regarding their level of initiative in addressing challenges. By asking ourselves how we can best respond to circumstances, we take ownership of our leadership roles, highlighting the importance of personal agency and responsibility in effective leadership.
Themes
LeadershipChoiceInitiativeResponsibilityAgency
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting to discuss project challenges, one could use this quote to encourage team members to take initiative in problem-solving.
More from Stephen Covey
All quotes →If you want to have a more pleasant, cooperative teenager, be a more understanding, empathic, consistent, loving parent. If you want to have more freedom, more latitude in your job, be a more responsible, a more helpful, a more contributing employee.
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Listen with your eyes for feelings.
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If we live out of our memory, we're tied to the past and to that which is finite. When we live out of our imagination, _x000D_ we're tied to that which is infinite.
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Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new untapped alternatives; it values and exploits the mental, emotional, and psychological differences between people.
Stephen CoveyRead
Keep in mind that you are always saying "no" to something. If it isn't to the apparent and urgent things in your life, it is probably to the most fundamental, highly important things.
Stephen CoveyRead
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