Leadership Character Quotes & Sayings

Leadership consists of nothing but taking responsibility for everything that goes wrong and giving your subordinates credit for everything that goes well. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

If you haven't found yourself yet, it's difficult to help someone to discover himself. False leaders make more false leaders! — Israelmore Ayivor

Talent is a gift, but our character is a choice. Talent is natural ability, our gift from God, but we have the power to determine our character. That power rests on a foundation consisting of the choices we make in life. And those choices almost always dictate the amount of trust others have in us, and to what level of leadership we rise. — John C. Maxwell

Effective leadership is the only competitive advantage that will endure. That's because leadership has two sides- what a person is character and what a person does- competence. — Stephen Covey

Even under false accusation those who are in the right can afford to be calm and considerate. God is acquainted with all that is misunderstood and misinterpreted by men, and we can safely leave our case in His hands. He will as surely vindicate the cause of those who put their trust in Him as He searched out the guilt of Achan. Those who are actuated by the spirit of Christ will possess that charity which suffers long and is kind. — Ellen G. White

Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing. — Albert Schweitzer

Black leadership has to recognize that principles more than speech, character more than a claim, is greater in advancing the cause of our liberation than what has transpired thus far. — Louis Farrakhan

To say America can have strong leadership without strong character is to say we can get water without the wet. — J. C. Watts

The five C's of expanding your capacity.
1. Build your confidence.
2. Expand your connections.
3. Improve your competence.
4. Strengthen your character. If character is not strengthening your capacity is weakening. We need to check our leadership for leaks.
5. Increase your commitment. — Sheila Heen

Your talent and giftedness as a leader have the potential to take you farther than your character can sustain you. That ought to scare you. — Andy Stanley

Capt. Sobers' character strengths separated him from the other leaders within as well as outside the section. The most important of these for me was that he cared for his subordinates. Let me emphasize: he TRULY cared for his subordinates. From a militaristically accepted leadership perspective, that was a rarity. — Robert A. Trivino

By comparison, the Integrated Human model of human nature, in addition to the two elements of our previous model, includes: A conscious analytic system, known as the slow brain (where logic resides) A subconscious intuitive system, or fast brain The full range of motivational drives (of which the drive to acquire is only one) Basic ideas of moral behavior, or moral intuitions Distinguishing characteristics, or personality traits Together, these elements of our nature provide all of the fundamental functions necessary for living life as a complete, Integrated Human - and they are the springboard for the development of leadership character. As our research data has shown, the ability to leverage all of these areas influence leadership's ability to achieve positive organizational outcomes. — Fred Kiel

a man without birth, without courage, without conduct. For my part, I declare, sir, it shall never be said that I made such a man my master. — Sarah Vowell

People will not follow a leader with moral incongruities for long. Every time you compromise character you compromise leadership. The foundation of firm leadership is character. — Bill Hybels

The present goal of the individual
in group enterprises is to avoid dominance; leadership is felt to be a character disorder. — Donald Barthelme

We tend to select top men for their character and capacity, then overload them according to their willingness. — Clarence Benjamin Jones

Leadership, in other words, is a matter of character, not goals. — Ted Malloch

Divine persons are character born, or, to borrow a phrase from Napoleon, they are victory organized. — Ralph Waldo Emerson

The great leader attracts to himself men of kindred character, drawing them towards him as the loadstone draws iron. — Samuel Smiles

Individual effort is good but collective effort is better. We need a NETWORK of nation builders — Fela Durotoye

I believe that he will prosper most whose mode of acting best adapts itself to the character of the times; and conversely that he will be unprosperous, with whose mode of acting the times do not accord. — Niccolo Machiavelli

True leadership is often the mantle of the meek, who are rarely are prepared for such responsibility; which builds character in those who embrace it. — M.J. Stoddard

Character is what you are. Reputation is what people think you are. — Ashwin Sanghi

Mental toughness is many things and rather difficult to explain. Its qualities are sacrifice and self-denial. Also, most importantly, it is combined with a perfectly disciplined will that refuses to give in. It's a state of mind-you could call it character in action. — Vince Lombardi

The character to follow thru on commitments made to others is built by following thru on commitments made to self. — Orrin Woodward

What an amazing creative way to magnify, and illuminate the courage of 30 Sheroes whose courage, leadership and character is symbolic of the many unsung Women Sheroes of past and present. — Emory Douglas

Up until the time I was cast in 'Star Trek,' the roles were pretty shallow - thin, stereotyped, one-dimensional roles. I knew this character was a breakthrough role, certainly for me as an individual actor but also for the image of an Asian character: no accent, a member of the elite leadership team. — George Takei

Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy. — Norman Schwarzkopf

From her character in the HBO miniseries: The art of politics is the art of applying the seat of the britches to the seat of the chair. — Abigail Adams

Leaders devoid of crucible experiences are likely to be overly confident about their ideas, and surprisingly more susceptible to fears; this is also true of children who are overly sheltered from facing challenges and experiences that help build their character. Courageously facing our fears in the difficult times gives us both humility and real confidence. — Lee Ellis

Unless today is well lived, tomorrow is not important. — Alan Sakowitz

I'm not concerned with whether you got to the top. I want to know how far you climbed. That is where the real achievement is found. — William James Moore

The most important ingredient of leadership is character. Most of the proficiencies can be learned, but what's inside you is something that's difficult to change. — Jesse Robredo

In the birth of societies it is the chiefs of states who give it its special character; and afterward it is this special character that forms the chiefs of state. — Baron De Montesquieu

The strength of the group is in the will of the leader, and the will is character in action. — Vince Lombardi

Never does a man portray his character more vividly than when proclaiming the character of another. — Winston Churchill

The real character of leaders does not show in fair weathers. When the sun of life begins to go hot, you will see for yourself some leaders are already melting off! — Israelmore Ayivor

His was the strong soul, gentle, but tempered with fire, fervent, heroic and good, the helper and friend of mankind. It is such as he who make progress possible. — Thomas W. Martin

You can't be a successful leader or mentor until you have served. You can't serve until you have stepped out of your comfort zone. And you can't step out of your comfort zone unless you have character and keep your word. — Bill Courtney

I wish I had played team sports. I think every kid should. Teamwork builds character - teaches people about leadership and cooperation. — Mo Rocca

You will see true character after a defeated ambition — Bangambiki Habyarimana

Your leadership principles give that unique character to your leadership brand. When all your responses, decisions, choices and leadership practices are filtered through your well defined principles, you have automatically connected yourself to making the success of your leadership excellence brand more deliberate. — Archibald Marwizi

Great leadership has more to do with character, courage, and conviction than it does with specific skills or competencies. — William A. Adams

Character in many ways is everything in leadership. It is made up of many things, but I would say character is really integrity. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Character primarily is honesty with God, ones-self, and others."

~R. Alan Woods [2013] — R. Alan Woods

One of the surest signs of the estimated changes in the consciousness of the American proletariat is to be found in the character of the demands now being put forward by the leadership. — C.L.R. James

The problem with your company is not the economy, it is not the lack of opportunity, it is not your team. The problem is you. That is the bad news. The good news is, if you're the problem, you're also the solution. You're the one person you can change the easiest. You can decide to grow. Grow your abilities, your character, your education, and your capacity. You can decide who you want to be and get about the business of becoming that person. — Dave Ramsey

Where your flesh is in front, your future is behind. — Paul Enenche

Honesty and integrity are the yardsticks by which we measure our intrinsic value. — Orly Wahba

A tough hide with a tender heart is a goal that all leaders must have. — Wayde Goodall

People will follow you when you build the character to follow through. — Orrin Woodward

For him (JFK) as he imagined of the British aristocracy, policies were less important than character traits such as dignity, courage, and honor. They did not pose as angry young men, but brought an almost lighthearted approach to politics. The very idea of politics invigorating society rather than dominating society very much appealed to Kennedy. — Scott Farris

Valor in the leader is often an expression of the leader's character, fortitude, grace, vulnerability, openness, and honesty. — Catherine Robinson-Walker

Society gains nothing whilst a man, not himself renovated, attempts to renovate things around him; he has become tediously good insome particular but negligent or narrow in the rest; and hypocrisy and vanity are often the disgusting result. — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Leaders always choose the harder right rather than the easier wrong. — Orrin Woodward

Every leadership role has a character driving force that will fulfill or decimate the ultimate purpose of the role. — Ikechukwu Joseph

The more routine that systematised activities are, the more nearly they are of the monotonous character seen in the habits of social animals and the less necessary are master builders; the more novel actions are, the more necessary are master builders. Dislike of the leader and the promoter, though linked emotionally to progressivism, is linked logically to total conservatism. Conversely, an authoritarian approach, natural enough in the instigator of new activities, is unjustified in the mere overseer of routines. — Bertrand De Jouvenel

Character in leadership is the most important balance for leadership. Without character, leaders have no safety. Leadership has no protection without character. — Myles Munroe

Leadership is an active, living process. It is rooted in character, forged by experience, and communicated by example. — John Baldoni

EYou reveal your character by what you do with what you have. — GE Paulus

Leadership is the sum of those qualities of intellect, human understanding, and moral character that enables a person to inspire and control a group of people successfully. — John A. Lejeune

1 Timothy 3 lists only one gift, teaching, then follows w a list of character traits. — Derwin L. Gray

Character matters; leadership descends from character. — Rush Limbaugh

Perfecting your character isn't a marathon, a race, or a competition. It can only be won in stride with daily motivation. — Orly Wahba

If you want to know the real character of man, intentionally and timely give him the test of 3d's; delay, denial and disappointment — Ernest Agyemang Yeboah

Leadership rests not only upon ability, not only upon capacity; having the capacity to lead is not enough. The leader must be willing to use it. His leadership is then based on truth and character. There must be truth in the purpose and will power in the character. — Vince Lombardi

Leadership is character in action. — James Hunter

When making the problem go away is more important than solving the problem leadership begins to fail. The easy way vs. The character way. — William James Moore

Relational congruence is the ability to be fundamentally the same person with the same values in every relationship, in every circumstance and especially amidst crisis. It is the internal capacity to keep promises to God, to self and to one's relationships that consistently express one's identity and values in spiritually and emotionally healthy ways. Relational congruence is about both constancy and care at the same time. It is about both character and affection, and self-knowledge and authentic self-expression. Relational congruence is the leader's ability to cultivate strong, healthy, caring relationships; maintaining healthy boundaries; and communicating clear expectations, all while staying focused on the mission. — Tod Bolsinger

Think of strength, dream of strength, live of strength. — Abhijit Naskar

The greatest crisis in the world today is a crisis of leadership, and the greatest crisis of leadership is a crisis of character. — Aubrey Malphurs

Character creates consistency, and if your people know what they can expect from you, they will continue to look to you for leadership. — John C. Maxwell

The man who commands efficiently must have obeyed others in the past, and the man who obeys dutifully is worthy of someday being a commander. — Marcus Tullius Cicero

We blacks look for leadership in men and women of such youth and inexperience, as well as poverty of education and character, that it is no wonder that we sometimes seem rudderless ... We see basketball players and pop singers as possible role models, when nothing could be further, in most cases, from their capacities. — Arthur Ashe

These two qualities of leadership [Integrity and Sincerity] were part of God's law's for the Israelites (Deuteronomy 18:13). God wants His people to show a transparent character, open and innocent of guile.
A prominent businessman once replied to a question: "If I had to name the one most important quality of a top manager, I would say personal integrity." Surely the spiritual leader must be sincere in promise, faithful in discharge of duty, upright in finances, loyal in service, and honest in speech. — J. Oswald Sanders

great attitude make your character and sets your path. — Jose Melendez

Ninety-nine percent of leadership failures are failures of character. — Norman Schwarzkopf

Your character and attitude is what takes the lead in your leadership role and you follow them as a true leader. Poor character and attitude is eventually poor leadership. — Israelmore Ayivor

Sitting at a candidate rally is similar to sitting in a ballyard. Both give you the opportunity to assess the technical metrics and reflect on the intangibles - what baseball calls 'make up' and politics calls 'character' - the leadership, talent and maturity to add value to a venture. — Christine Pelosi

If there is a trait which does characterize leaders it is opportunism. Successful people are very often those who steadfastly refuse to be daunted by disadvantage and have the ability to turn disadvantage to good effect. They are people who seize opportunity and take risks. Leadership then seems to be a matter of personality and character. — John Viney

Leaders show examples. They have something to offer and they'll offer it by the process of how they got it. Anyone who has no examples to show may not lead better. — Israelmore Ayivor

The time it takes to fall from the top of a mountain to the floor it shorter than what it takes to climb from the floor to the top. Only leaders with character can maintain their trusts. — Israelmore Ayivor

He's very competitive and knows what he wants. He has developed toughness in character and that is what is needed for Indian cricket. Ganguly has proved to be one of the best captains. He has now acquired great leadership qualities. — Steve Waugh

Keeping or holding on to a concept shows belief but building or adding to it shows confidence and depth of character. — Delma Pryce

Honesty is doing what you know or believe is right. Integrity is doing what is right and truthful. — Roy Bennett

Great men are strong men with great leadership qualities. They inspire others to be loving and caring like themselves. By this their character is made stronger. — Ellen J. Barrier

Governor Sanders showed true leadership and character by supporting civil rights for all during a time when many were not, His lasting positive impact on our state will be felt by many future generations of Georgians. — Nathan Deal

The most important thing about leadership is your character and the values that guide your life. — Brenda Barnes

Your reputation is what others think of you; your character is what you truly are. Reputations can be manipulated; character can only be developed and maintained. — Bohdi Sanders

Character is the direct result of mental attitude. I believe that character is higher than the intellect. I believe that leadership is in sacrifice, in self-denial, in humility and in the perfectly disciplined will. This is the distinction between great and little men. — Vince Lombardi

Leadership is more about purpose than it is about position. — Michele Jennae

The more consistent a father can be or a mentor can be in the person's life and teach them principles of real solid manhood, character, integrity and leadership, the more consistent you can be in the person's life and teach them those things at a younger age, and then the better off they'll be. — Allan Houston

Leadership consists not in degrees of technique but in traits of character; it requires moral rather than athletic or intellectual effort, and it imposes on both leader and follower alike the burdens of self-restraint. — Lewis H. Lapham

Leadership is not about personality, possessions, or charisma, but all about who you are as a person. I used to believe that leadership was about style but now I know that leadership is about substance, namely character. — James Hunter

Character in leadership comes down to two questions: Would you trade places with anyone under your command? Do you hold yourself to the same level of accountability as those for whom you bear responsibility? — Gary J. Byrne

A leader's attitude tells how often he will be the winner; his character determines how long he will be the winner. — Israelmore Ayivor

Only people of proven character should be placed in positions of spiritual leadership. — Max Anders

Over time, is it easier or harder to sustain your influence within your organization? With charisma alone, influence becomes increasingly more difficult to sustain. With character, as time passes, influence builds and requires less work to sustain. — John C. Maxwell

Authentic Christians are persons who stand apart from others. Their character seems deeper, their ideas fresher, their spirit softer, their courage greater, their leadership stronger, their concerns wider, their compassion more genuine and their convictions more concrete. — Bill Hybels

When you are a person people can trust, they will call on upon you, love to be around you and work with you. — Israelmore Ayivor