Introduction
If you ask ten people to define “leadership,” you’ll likely get ten different responses. One might expect such a universally used concept to have a generally accepted definition, but that’s far from the case. Leadership, a common noun, is interpreted through countless lenses, shaped by individual experiences, cultures, and beliefs. There are endless books, podcasts, and lectures designed to provide profound insights and inspire greatness in leaders. These resources have certainly helped prepare me for the many leadership roles I’ve embraced throughout my career.
However, what resonates most with my approach to leadership isn’t found in lengthy volumes or hours of seminars but in simple quotes I’ve heard along the way. These succinct, impactful statements capture the essence of leadership and serve as reminders to reflect, adapt, and implement on demand. While there are many that come to mind, here are a few that instantly inspire action and self-reflection.
“I never lose. I either win or learn.” -Nelson Mandela
This quote highlights the value of failure as a learning opportunity, something I’ve experienced time and again throughout my career. The evolution of leadership is shaped by one’s many experiences. It’s highly probable that if you sit down with any leader that you revere, you’ll discover that many of their leadership traits and philosophies derive from lessons learned in an academic environment, advice or observations from others, or simply through trial and error. Reflecting over my career, I can say that I’ve learned from all these methods. I’ve made my share of mistakes, from submitting error-ridden reports as a young division officer to sending an emotional email that caused unintended harm. While there have been notable wins that make me smile with pride, the most impactful lessons have come from stepping out on faith and embracing the possibility of failure. Each of those experiences has shaped me into a more self-aware and resilient leader.
By far, the greatest lesson I’ve learned is to consistently self-assess the following questions: 1) Who are my mentor(s)? 2) Who are my mentee(s)? 3) Who is in my peer circle of trust? In Michael J. Gerhardt’s book, Lincoln’s Mentors: The Education of a Leader, he identifies five mentors who guided President Abraham Lincoln. One such mentor, Orville Hickman Browning, offered sound advice during the Fort Sumter crisis in the Civil War. Similarly, Representative John Lewis credited much of his success to being mentored by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The “Rat Pack” exemplified how a trusted peer group—musicians at the top of their game—could hold one another accountable and achieve greatness together. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t a solitary journey. Trust, relevance, and growth come from the connections we build and the lessons we learn along the way.
“The hardest choices require the strongest wills.” -Thanos in “Avengers: Infinity War”
In our professional and personal journeys, we will inevitably encounter challenging and at times confrontational circumstances that demand tough decisions with lasting consequences. These moments might include something as minor as admitting to a penalty stroke on the golf course when no one is watching, or as significant as administering financially devastating non-judicial punishment to a "Sailor of the Year" who has a family, because they were guilty of driving under the influence. Whether your actions are public or private, impacting an individual or a team, your credibility and trust as a person and a leader are the measuring sticks of your reputation.
Now, before anyone asks, I am NOT saying that Thanos—whose sole mission was to wipe out half of the universe’s inhabitants—should be revered as a leader. To admire a fictional villain with such a grossly flawed character would be ridiculous. However, this quote does prove a point: solely having a strong will does not make someone a great leader. It makes one wonder—if Thanos had sound mentors, perhaps his character development could have inspired a more harmonious and diplomatic mission. Either way, the morals, values, and measure of your ethos dictate how you approach those decisive critical decision points that require timely, tested, and trusted leadership. No matter what, great leaders know it is always more important to do what is right than to be right.
“I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion'.” -Muhammad Ali
World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Muhammad Ali possessed an unconquerable determination and unmatched fortitude which led him to win multiple boxing titles as well as inspire generations of people across the world. His name and image are easily recognizable symbols of perseverance and resilience. Each morning, I see our family’s framed picture of “The Champ,” as I like to call him, and the above quote as I start my day, reminding me that quitting is never an option, even on my hardest day. Mr. Ali’s words remind us that as leaders, we must train our mind, body, and spirit, not just for our own personal well-being, but also to support the various “teams” that all deserve our very best.
As leaders, we should never compromise our ability to bring our best selves personally or professionally. Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, president of Morehouse College from 1940–1967 and advisor to presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Jimmy Carter, once said, “Whatever you do, strive to do it so well that no man living and no man dead and no man yet to be born could do it any better.” If your teams know that you are competent enough to bring this level of commitment every day, they will strive to return the same to you and the rest of the team.
Conclusion
Like I said, I can go on and on when it comes to referencing influential figures in my life. It was a struggle to narrow it down from other quotes like…
“He who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander.” -Aristotle
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Maya Angelou
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” -Theodore Roosevelt
These quotes have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of what it means to lead. They remind me that leadership is not a static role but a dynamic and deeply human process that requires reflection, humility, and adaptability. Each time I revisit these words, I’m inspired to align my actions with the core values they represent.
