Strange as it sounds, great leaders gain authority by giving it away.

More quotes by Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale

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"…leaders under pressure must keep themselves absolutely clean morally. The relativism of the social sciences will never do. They must lead by example, must be able to implant high-mindedness to their followers, and must have earned their followers’ respect by demonstrating integrity."

- Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale

Integrity

"Leadership must be based on goodwill. Goodwill does not mean posturing and, least of all, pandering to the mob. It means obvious and wholehearted commitment to helping followers. We are tired of leaders we fear… What we need for leaders are men of heart who are so helpful that they, in effect, do away with the need of their jobs. But leaders like that are never out of a job, never out of followers."

- Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale

Leadership

"Every great leader I have known has been a great teacher, able to give those around him a sense of perspective and to set the moral, social and motivational climate among his followers."

- Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale

Leadership

More Leadership Quotes

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"Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it."

- Dwight D. Eisenhower

Leadership

"Pay attention to those employees who respectfully ask why. They are demonstrating an interest in their jobs and exhibiting a curiosity that could eventually translate into leadership ability."

- Harvey Mackay

Leadership

"Everyone talks about building a relationship with your customer. I think you build one with your employees first."

- Angela Ahrendts

Leadership

"Leaders can let you fail and yet not let you be a failure."

- Stanley McChrystal

Leadership

"An organization's ability to learn, and translate that learning into action rapidly, is the ultimate competitive advantage."

- Jack Welch

Leadership