Government is like an onion. To understand it, you have to peel through many different layers. Most outsiders never get beyond the first or second layer.
Warren G. BennisRead
If I had to reduce the responsibilities of a good follower to a single rule, it would be to speak truth to power.
Interpretation
A good follower should always have the courage to tell the truth, especially to those in power.
Warren G. Bennis emphasizes the importance of speaking up and being honest in the face of authority. This idea reflects the critical role that integrity and courage play in leadership and followership, suggesting that even those who are not in charge must contribute to accountability by challenging the status quo when necessary.
In practice
During a company meeting when discussing a controversial policy, you can use this quote to encourage team members to express their honest opinions.
Government is like an onion. To understand it, you have to peel through many different layers. Most outsiders never get beyond the first or second layer.
Leaders must encourage their organizations to dance to forms of music yet to be heard.
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The manager has a short-range view; the leader has a long-range perspective.
Trust is the lubrication that makes it possible for organizations to work.
People who cannot invent and reinvent themselves must be content with borrowed postures, secondhand ideas, fitting in instead of standing out.
People have come to me over the years and said to me: 'I admire the culture of Starbucks. Can you come give a speech and help us turn our culture around?' I wish it were that easy. Turning a culture around is very difficult to do because it's based on a series of many, many decisions, and the organization is framed by those decisions.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country._x000D_ _x000D_ My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
You need people who can walk their companies into the future rather than back them into the future.
A group of followers has strength because of its numbers. _x000D_ A following has power because of its beliefs.
Pilots have their names painted just beneath the canopy of their aircraft. This gives the pilot a sense of ownership for his or her jet. What's more, like cars, each aircraft has its own personality, so it's important for a pilot to get to know and love his aircraft.
Whoever imposes severe punishment becomes repulsive to the people; while he who awards mild punishment becomes contemptible. But whoever imposes punishment as deserved becomes respectable.
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