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.
A councilor ought not to sleep the whole night through, a man to whom the populace is entrusted, and who has many responsibilities.
When I was15 years old, I couldn't look at the NFL and look on TV and say, 'Boy, there's a head coach, African American. That's something I'd like to do.'
Empowering, cultivating, and ultimately serving those who follow you will unlock massive potential within your organization, allowing you to solve for problems in real time.
By blood a king, in heart a clown.
If you facilitate your subordinates' steady progress in meaningful work, make that progress salient to them, and treat them well, they will experience the emotions, motivations, and perceptions necessary for great performance.
I made it real clear to the business community - if your plan for innovation is to trick people, is to fool them, is not to tell them the truth about the price, then you're right: I'm going to be right in the way.
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