No one wants to hear everything that's in your head. They just want you to live up to what comes out of your mouth.
Adam GrantRead
You want people who choose to follow because they genuinely believe in ideas, not because they're afraid to be punished if they don't. For startups, there's so much pivoting that's required that if you have a bunch of sheep, you're in bad shape.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True leadership inspires genuine belief rather than fear of punishment.
In this quote, Adam Grant emphasizes the importance of authentic engagement and commitment in leadership, especially within startups. He suggests that leaders should aim to attract followers who are motivated by the value of ideas and vision, rather than those who follow out of fear of consequences. Such genuine commitment is crucial for navigating the inevitable changes and challenges that arise in a startup environment.
Themes
LeadershipAuthenticityCommitmentStartupsIdeas
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting to inspire collaboration, you might say, 'Let's focus on building a team that believes in our mission, not just following orders.'
More from Adam Grant
All quotes →In the eyes of many people, giving doesn't count unless it's completely selfless. In reality, though, giving isn't sustainable when it's completely selfless.
Adam GrantRead
When you procrastinate, you're more likely to let your mind wander. That gives you a better chance of stumbling onto the unusual and spotting unexpected patterns.
Adam GrantRead
We have many identities, and we can't be authentic to them all. The best we can do is be sincere in our efforts to earn the values we claim.
Adam GrantRead
We all have thoughts and feelings that we believe are fundamental to our lives but that are better left unspoken.
Adam GrantRead
Procrastinating is a vice when it comes to productivity, but it can be a virtue for creativity.
Adam GrantRead
Similar quotes
Everyone needs a coach. It doesn't matter whether you're a basketball player, a tennis player, a gymnast or a bridge player.
Bill GatesRead
I would have been glad to have lived under my wood side, and to have kept a flock of sheep, rather than to have undertaken this government.
Oliver CromwellRead
How can any company know if its processes, products, people are safe? Only if everyone is watching and telling the truth. The first part can be assumed; the second cannot.
Margaret HeffernanRead
Leadership is a two-way street, loyalty up and loyalty down. _x000D_ _x000D_ Respect for one's superiors; care for one's crew.
Grace HopperRead
...I never heard him abuse an enemy. Some of the cruel things said about President Lincoln, particularly in the North, used to pierce him to the heart; but never in my presence did he evince a revengeful disposition.
Ulysses S. GrantRead
I am the attorney general of the United States. But I am also a black man.
Eric HolderRead