Oh for someone with a heart, head and hand. Whatever they call them, what do I care, aristocrat, democrat, autocrat, just be it one that can rule and dare not lie.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of integrity and capability in leadership over social titles.
Alfred Lord Tennyson's quote speaks to the essence of true leadership, which is defined not by one's social status or title—whether aristocrat, democrat, or autocrat—but by possessing a compassionate heart, a clear mind, and the willingness to take responsibility. Ultimately, a true leader prioritizes honesty and courage above all else, serving as an inspiring figure who can lead effectively and ethically.
In practice
This quote is perfect for a leadership seminar focusing on ethical leadership.
Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; For though from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crossed the bar.
How many a father have I seen, A sober man, among his boys, Whose youth was full of foolish noise.
O Love! what hours were thine and mine, In lands of palm and southern pine; In lands of palm, of orange-blossom, Of olive, aloe, and maize and vine!
Earth is dry to the centre,_x000D_ But spring, a new comer,_x000D_ A spring rich and strange,_x000D_ Shall make the winds blow_x000D_ Round and round,_x000D_ Thro' and thro',_x000D_ Here and there,_x000D_ Till the air_x000D_ And the ground_x000D_ Shall be fill'd with life anew.
O love, O fire! once he drew With one long kiss my whole soul through My lips, as sunlight drinketh dew.
But thy strong Hours indignant work’d their wills, And beat me down and marr’d and wasted me, And tho’ they could not end me, left me maim’d To dwell in presence of immortal youth, Immortal age beside immortal youth, And all I was, in ashes. - Tithonus
If all of you had voted the other way - there's about 5500 of you here tonight - I would not be the President of the United States.
Commitment and credibility go hand in hand.
The speed of the leader is the speed of the gang.
You can buy a person's hands but you can't buy his heart. His heart is where his enthusiasm, his loyalty is.
People are often led to causes and often become committed to great ideas through persons who personify those ideas. They have to find the embodiment of the idea in flesh and blood in order to commit themselves to it.
There are only three measurements that tell you nearly everything you need to know about your organization's overall performance: employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and cash flow...It goes without saying that no company, small or large, can win over the long run without energized employees who believe in the mission and understand how to achieve it.
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