Organizational effectiveness does not lie in that narrow minded concept called rationality. It lies in the blend of clearheaded logic and powerful intuition
Henry MintzbergRead
Leadership, like swimming, cannot be learned by reading about it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Leadership skills are developed through experience, not just theoretical knowledge.
The quote emphasizes the idea that true leadership cannot be acquired solely through book learning or theoretical study; rather, it requires practical experience and active participation, similar to how one cannot master swimming merely by reading instructions. Engaging in leadership roles, facing challenges, and learning from real-world experiences are essential to becoming an effective leader.
Themes
LeadershipExperienceLearningPracticalTheory
In practice
Example use cases
In a leadership workshop discussing the importance of hands-on training.
More from Henry Mintzberg
All quotes βBasically, managing is about influencing action. Managing is about helping organizations and units to get things done, which means action. Sometimes, managers manage actions directly. They fight fires. They manage projects. They negotiate contracts.
Henry MintzbergRead
When the world is predictable you need smart people. _x000D_ When the world is unpredictable you need adaptable people.
Henry MintzbergRead
The real challenge in crafting strategy lies in detecting subtle discontinuities that may undermine a business in the future. And for that there is no technique, no program, just a sharp mind in touch with the situation.
Henry MintzbergRead
It is time to recognize conventional MBA programs for what they are - or else to close them down. They are specialized training in the functions of business, not general educating in the practice of management.
Henry MintzbergRead
To 'turn around' is to end up facing the same way. Maybe that is the problem, all the turning organizations around.
Henry MintzbergRead
Similar quotes
The duties of an officer are the safety, honor, and welfare of your country first; the honor, welfare, and comfort of the men in your command second; and the officer s own ease, comfort, and safety last.
George S. PattonRead
I hate to speak about individuals. Players don't win you trophies, teams win trophies, squads win trophies.
Jose MourinhoRead
Leadership is not a contest of likeability. Leadership often boils down to making the tougher choices. You are not in a popularity contest.
Paul PolmanRead
Employee loyalty begins with employer loyalty. Your employees should know that if they do the job they were hired to do with a reasonable amount of competence and efficiency, you will support them.
Harvey MackayRead
Throughout human history, people have developed strong loyalties to traditions, rituals, and symbols. In the most effective organizations, they are not only respected but celebrated. It is no coincidence that the most highly admired corporations are also among the most profitable.
Rosabeth Moss KanterRead
When a team takes ownership of its problems, the problem gets solved. It is true on the battlefield, it is true in business, and it is true in life.
Jocko WillinkRead