Journalism still, in a democracy, is the essential force to get the public educated and mobilized to take action on behalf of our ancient ideals.
Doris Kearns GoodwinRead
That is what leadership is all about: staking your ground ahead of where opinion is and convincing people, not simply following the popular opinion of the moment.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Leadership involves setting a vision and persuading others rather than just going along with popular beliefs.
In this quote, Doris Kearns Goodwin emphasizes that true leadership requires initiative and foresight. A leader should not just conform to the prevailing opinions but should instead carve out their own path and inspire others to join them in pursuit of that vision. This approach fosters trust and encourages innovation, as effective leaders motivate their teams to believe in a shared direction rather than following the crowd.
Themes
LeadershipInfluenceVisionPersuasionCourage
In practice
Example use cases
In a corporate meeting, when discussing company direction, this quote can be used to encourage managers to take bold steps towards innovation rather than just following market trends.
More from Doris Kearns Goodwin
All quotes βWe've got to figure out a way that we give a private sphere for our public leaders. We're not gonna get the best people in public life if we don't do that.
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Once a president gets to the White House, the only audience that is left that really matters is history.
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I am a historian. With the exception of being a wife and mother, it is who I am. And there is nothing I take more seriously.
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Obama does seem to have what both FDR and Lincoln had, which is the recognition that you have to hold back at times and then wait to come forward.
Doris Kearns GoodwinRead
Those who knew Lincoln described him as an extraordinarily funny man. Humor was an essential aspect of his temperament. He laughed, he explained, so he did not weep.
Doris Kearns GoodwinRead
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