16 inspirational quotes on leadership and values

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Values act as a compass for your leadership. According to Bill George, previous CEO of Medtronics, Inc., and a former Harvard Business School professor, they are your “True North.” When you are clear on your values, you are empowered to lead with your highest principles, which keeps you and your organization out of trouble and focused in the right direction. Being true to your values also yields a clear conscience and a good night's sleep (according to Narayana Murthy, Founder, and CEO of Infosys. See his quote below.)

I hope these quotes stimulate you to think about and clarify the values that guide your leadership. Please let me know which one is the most impactful for you. Thank you, and happy leading!

1.  “The most important characteristic of a leader is optimism.” - Bob Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company

2. ”None of us is as smart as all of us.” - Rick Hendrick, founder of Hendrick automotive group 

3. “As a positive leader you can't just show the way and talk about the way. You must lead the way.”  - Jon Gordon, Author of The Power of Positive Leadership 

4. ”Positive leadership ---conveying the idea that there is always a way forward --- Is so important because that is always what we are here for ----to figure out how to move the organization forward.” - Alan Mulally, CEO at Ford Motor Company 

5. ”It's the leaders ability to Unite and connect people that truly creates great teams and organizations.”  - Jon Gordon, Author of The Power of Positive Leadership 

6. “Leadership comes down to taking care of people in your organization and making them the best they can be, not giving up on them and never failing to be there for them.”  - Pete Carroll, Head Coach, Seattle Seahawks

7. “The Crucible is an essential element in the process of becoming a leader.” - Warren Bennis, Author, On Becoming a Leader

8. “Leaders with principles are less likely to get bullied or pushed around because they draw lines in the sand ……The softest pillow is a clear conscience.” -Narayana Murthy, Founder and CEO, Infosys

9. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” - African proverb 

10. “The world will shape you if you let it. To live the life you desire you must make conscious choices.” - John Donahoe, CEO, eBay  

11. “People want to work for a cause, not just for a living.” - C. William Pollard, Chairman, ServiceMaster  

12. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

13. “When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” Roy Disney, CEO, Walt Disney Corporation 

14. “Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.” - The Dalai Lama 

15. “Your key values are your North Star. Follow them and you'll never get lost.” - D. Lee Stoltzfus, Ph.D. CEO, L.I.F.E. Management Systems

16. “Your personal core values define who you are.” - Tony Hsieh, former CEO, Zappos 

If your organization is interested in learning more about leadership skills in the workplace, please contact me for a free discovery call!