Leadership is everyday courage — listening first, serving always, choosing what is right over what is easy. It asks us to lift others, honor their gifts, and make space for everyone to shine. As Theodore Roosevelt reminds us: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership. ~ Colin Powell

People prefer to follow those who help them, not those who intimidate them. ~ C. Gene Wilkes

Leaders keep their eyes on the horizon, not just on the bottom line. ~ Warren G. Bennis

What characterizes a good leader? Curiosity, empathy, practical intelligence, and courage. ~ Beverly Pearson

It is a terrible thing to look over your shoulder when you are trying to lead — and find no one there. ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

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

We should all make sure that we know who is in charge. ~ Aesop’s Fables

Leadership, like coaching, is fighting for the hearts and souls of men and getting them to believe in you. ~ Eddie Robinson

Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile. ~ Vince Lombardi

The real leader holds the power, not just the position. ~ John C. Maxwell

Leadership is the capacity and will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspire confidence. ~ Bernard Law Montgomery

I don’t know any other way to lead but by example. ~ Don Shula

Common mistake for leaders is confusing problems that need solving versus tensions that need managing. ~ Nancy Ortberg

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