The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.
John BuchanRead
The task of leadership is not to put greatness into people, but to elicit it, for the greatness is there already.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Leadership involves drawing out the inherent greatness in individuals rather than trying to instill it from the outside.
John Buchan's quote emphasizes that true leadership is not about imposing greatness on individuals, but rather it is about recognizing and fostering the potential that already exists within them. This perspective shifts the focus of leadership from a top-down approach to one that encourages empowerment and self-discovery, suggesting that all individuals have the capacity for greatness waiting to be realized.
Themes
LeadershipGreatnessPotentialEmpowermentInspiration
In practice
Example use cases
During a company meeting to inspire team members to realize their potential.
More from John Buchan
All quotes βThe task of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there.
John BuchanRead
Similar quotes
To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.
Baron De MontesquieuRead
Well I do think, when there are more women, that the tone of the conversation changes, and also the goals of the conversation change. But it doesn't mean that the whole world would be a lot better if it were totally run by women. If you think that, you've forgotten high school.
Madeleine AlbrightRead
Consider what it takes for successful businessmen and businesswomen, effective entrepreneurs and hardworking associates, shrewd retirees and idealistic students to combine forces with a creative pastor to grow a "successful church" today. Clearly, it doesn't require the power of God to draw a crowd in our culture. A few key elements that we can manufacture will suffice.
David PlattRead
A host is like a general: calamities often reveal his genius.
HoraceRead
If the modern leader doesn't know the facts, he is in grave trouble, but rarely do the facts provide unqualified guidance.
John W. GardnerRead
Tactics are so important because everybody has to know what they have to do on the pitch. The relationships and behaviours off the pitch between team-mates have to be as good as possible.
Pep GuardiolaRead