Wednesday, February 11, 2009

laws of leadership...

I'm reading the 21 Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell. I have read it once before, when i was in college and trying to be a better captain, but different things mean different things at different points in your life. So, I am sure i got something out of it then, but I think i am getting much more out of it now!! I have always been incredibly intrigued with the subject of leadership, and could never get tired of talking, reading or learning about it. I think true, good leaders are few and far between, though many people mistakenly THINK that they are leaders. I believe all people fall in one of two categories-you're either a leader or a follower. Because there are far less leaders than followers in this world, that rare breed of person and how and why they are they way they are intrigues me. Anyway, I have just read a few chapters, but here are some of my favorite quotes so far....

  • Champions don't become champions in the ring-they are merely recognized there.
  • He who thinks he leads but has no followers, is only taking a walk.
  • Being in power is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't.
  • You cant get too much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good.
  • The only thing that walks back from the tomb with the mourners and refuses to be buried is the character of a man. This is true. What a man is survives him. It can never be buried.
  • To be conscious that you are ignorant of the facts is a great step to knowledge.
  • You have achieved excellence as a leader when people will follow you everywhere if only out of curiousity.
  • Titles dont have much value when it comes to leading. True leadership cannot be awarded, appointed, or assigned. It comes only from influence, and that can't be mandated. It must be earned.
  • Its not the position that makes the leader; its the leader that makes the position.
As I read more, I'll randomly put up more quotes that i get from it. It is an awesome book!! I highly recommend!!

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