And I Quote…

As I wind down my series on leadership, I am reminded of the various leadership gurus, pastors, mentors, and men and women in history who have left us with abundant food for thought in their written and spoken words. We quote them often in various avenues in the social media outlets. Their thoughts and words have been tried through much study and life experiences. The wisdom we find in these words is founded in the unchanging principles of God’s word – whether they were Christian or not. After all, everything that is true has its roots in the One who is Truth. Their words have been our mentors. Their life experiences – tried by fire -have help light our path.  They have inspired us to achieve beyond personal gain. Their selflessness has burned within us a passion to continue in their steps. And those who have known and held true to the gospel have pointed us to Christ and His glory. We have learned from their mistakes and found joy in their triumphs.

 

On twitter and Facebook this past week, I asked people to send me their favorite leadership quotes. I wanted to hear from you the words and thoughts of men and women that inspired you to grow as a leader. I have sifted through all kinds of material, and I can say that it has run the gamete – some made me laugh while others cause deep reflection. In any case, I have left you with the ones that I thought you would find enjoyable:

 

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” —John Quincy Adams

 

“I must go, they have gone, and I am their leader” – Unknown

 

“The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet.” – Theodore Hesburgh

 

“Convictional leaders propel action precisely because they are driven by deep convictions, and their passion for these convictions is transferred to followers who join in concerted action to do what they know to be right.” – Al Mohler

 

“The world is run by tired men.” – Unknown

 

“If the person you are talking to doesn’t appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.” – Winnie the Pooh

 

“Spiritual leadership is knowing where God wants people to be and taking the initiative to get them there by God’s means in reliance on God’s power.” – John Piper

 

“ Successful people are willing to do things that unsuccessful people will not do” – John Maxwell

 

“The leader is able to lead others because he has conquered himself” – J Oswald Sanders

 

“Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, your aren’t.” – Margaret Thatcher

 

“He who has much to teach must suffer much; and he alone can speak of the deepest things in the economy of God who has sooner or later entered into fellowship with the suffering of God.” G.C. Morgan

 

“It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.” – Abraham Lincoln

 

Daniel Cavanaugh