Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard.
Interpretation
Choose to associate with individuals who are dedicated and serious about their work yet maintain a sense of humor and balance in life.
This quote by Colin Powell emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with people who are committed and passionate about their work. However, it also underscores the value of joy and lightheartedness, suggesting that individuals who can balance seriousness with playfulness foster a positive and productive environment.
In practice
During a team meeting, I shared this quote to inspire collaboration and lightheartedness amongst the team.
Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. I am talking about a gung-ho attitude that says 'we can change things here, we can achieve awesome goals, we can be the best. 'Spare me the grim litany of the 'realist;' give me the unrealistic aspirations of the optimist any day.
One of the fondest expressions around is that we can't be the world's policeman. But guess who gets called when suddenly someone needs a cop.
Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.
If you get the dirty end of the stick, sharpen it and turn it into a useful tool.
High-quality early-childhood programs and health coverage have expanded, and the number of mentoring relationships for at-risk youth has risen dramatically. That progress is encouraging, but it's not evenly distributed.
As I've thought about gay marriage, I don't see any reason not to say that [couples] should be able to get married.
I feel very responsible for young models of colour. They come to me and tell me they're not getting jobs, and I do what I can to speak up for them.
Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy.
Listening can make the difference between a mediocre organization and a great one.
With leadership the question at the beginning of the day is, 'how far can we take this...how big can we grow it...and how fast can we get there?'
We must acknowledge that there are factions in our movements... We should not be telling lies to each other; we should tell the truth to each other with the view that there will be unity.
I knew that our community needed a very clear voice. and I think we deserved representation that rejected lobbyist funds and put our voters and our community first.
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