I would rather be accused of breaking precedents than breaking promises.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of keeping promises over adhering to established norms.
John F. Kennedy's quote highlights the value of integrity and commitment in leadership. It suggests that leaders should prioritize their promises and commitments to others, even if it means deviating from traditional practices or facing criticism. This reflects the idea that true leadership is defined by the trust and loyalty one builds through consistent and honest actions.
In practice
A leader addressing a team about commitment to their goals.
The great battleground for the defense and expansion of freedom today is the whole southern half of the globe... the lands of the rising peoples. Their revolution is the greatest in human history. They seek an end to injustice, tyranny and exploitation. More than an end, they seek a beginning.
I had always enjoyed the title of Commander-in-Chief until I was informed ... that the only forces that cannot be transferred from Washington without my express permission are the members of the Marine Corps Band. Those are the only forces I have. I want it announced that we propose to hold the White House against all odds at least for some time to come.
I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.
I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy; Dear Jack, Don't buy a single vote more than is necessary. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay for a landslide.
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
By altering his arrangements and changing his plans, the skillful general keeps the enemy without definite knowledge. By shifting his camp and taking circuitous routes, he prevents the enemy from anticipating his purpose. At the critical moment, the leader of an army acts like one who has climbed up a height and then kicks away the ladder behind him.
The task of leadership is not to put greatness into people, but to elicit it, for the greatness is there already.
Engage your brain before you engage your weapon.
I am a bigger-picture manager because I've lived through something that's a big picture.
Every coach has his own style of play, but when you spend your whole life as a Cowboy, you have to be influenced by what we did.
I have been tremendously impacted and influenced by my coaches. It's nice to play for people that are going to support you.
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