QuoteProject
Self-centered leaders manipulate when they move people for personal benefit. Mature leaders motivate by moving people for mutual benefit.
John C. Maxwell
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Leaders should strive to inspire others for a collective good rather than for their own gain.

This quote by John C. Maxwell highlights the difference between self-centered and mature leadership. It suggests that while self-centered leaders manipulate others to achieve their personal goals, mature leaders inspire and motivate individuals by focusing on mutual benefits, fostering a sense of teamwork and collaboration for the well-being of all involved.

Themes

LeadershipMotivationMutual BenefitInspirationTeamwork

In practice

Example use cases

In a workshop about effective leadership styles, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of motivating teams.

More from John C. Maxwell

It's said that a wise person learns from his mistakes. A wiser one learns from others' mistakes. But the wisest person of all learns from others's successes.
John C. MaxwellRead
Courage and initiative come when you understand your purpose in life.
John C. MaxwellRead
Integrity is important in building relationships. And is the foundation upon which many other qualities for success are built, such as respect, dignity, and trust.
John C. MaxwellRead
Attitude is the first quality that marks the successful man. If he has a positive attitude and is a positive thinker, who likes challenges and difficult situations, then he has half his success achieved.
John C. MaxwellRead
Big-picture thinkers broaden their outlook by striving to learn from every experience. They don't rest on their successes, they learn from them.
John C. MaxwellRead
In most cases, those who want power probably shouldn't have it, those who enjoy it probably do so for the wrong reasons, and those who want most to hold on to it don't understand that it's only temporary.
John C. MaxwellRead

Similar quotes

Poor leaders push us towards the goal. Great leaders guide us through the journey.
Simon SinekRead
Communication is different in the clubhouse than it is in a boardroom. The heartbeat that exists in the clubhouse, you don't find that same type of heartbeat in the front office.
Theo EpsteinRead
To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.
Baron De MontesquieuRead
You have to learn what makes this or that Sammy run. For one it's a pat on the back, for another it's eating him out, for still another it's a fatherly talk, or something else. You're a fool if you think as I did as a young coach, that you can treat them all alike.
Bear BryantRead
Asking for people's help - rather than directing it - is almost always the smart way of doing things, regardless of the stakes.
Brian GrazerRead
I hire people brighter than me and then I get out of their way.
Lee IacoccaRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.