Quotes on Military Leadership

The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet.

Be the hunter, not the hunted: Never allow your unit to be caught with its guard down.

You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.

Any commander who fails to exceed his authority is not of much use to his subordinates.

A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.

A chief is a man who assumes responsibility. He says 'I was beaten,' he does not say 'My men were beaten.'

Always do everything you ask of those you command.

Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy.

A leader is the man who has the ability to get other people to do what they don't want to do, and like it.

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.

Never forget that no military leader has ever become great without audacity.

Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.

A good general not only sees the way to victory; he also knows when victory is impossible.

The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them.