Whenever Roosevelt (Theodore) expected a visitor, he sat up late the night before, reading up on the subject in which he knew his guest was particularly interested. For Roosevelt knew, all the leaders royal road to a person's heart is to talk about the things he or she treasures most.
Interpretation
Understanding others' interests is key to building relationships.
This quote emphasizes the importance of empathy and preparation in leadership. By taking the time to understand what matters to others, leaders can create meaningful connections and foster trust, leading to more effective communication and collaboration.
In practice
During a team meeting, a leader could reference this quote to encourage team members to understand each other's perspectives.
When I asked him -Mr.Henry Ford- if he ever worried, he replied: "No. I believe God is managing affairs and that He doesn't need any advice from me. With God in charge, I believe that every-thing will work out for the best in the end. So what is there to worry about?
Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare.
By talking to yourself about the things you have to be grateful for you can fill your mind with thoughts that soar and sing.
It isn't what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about.
I can look back at my own life and see where a few words of praise have sharply changed my entire future. Can't you say the same thing about your life?
Instead of worrying about what people say of you, why not spend time trying to accomplish something they will admire.
You have to work with people you don't like. You have to work with people who are working against your interests to try to bring them around. If you don't talk to them, you end up in the same place. And you never achieve anything.
I believe that no man who holds a leader's position should ever accept favors from either side. He is then committed to show favors. A leader must stand alone.
Team members have to hold each other accountable. If there's a meeting, all members have to commit to be present and to help one another; they can't just check out when they feel they're not getting any benefits.
The ability to plan for what has not yet happened, for a future that has only been imagined, is one of the hallmarks of leadership.
Popularity isn't my compass. Unless it can help one to act, to be understood... that's what counts.
The most common source of mistakes in management decisions is the emphasis on finding the right answer rather than the right question.
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