Shortly before he died Sam Walton, the founder of Wal-Mart, asked his team to compile some of his, and other people he admired, thoughts on leadership. These might inspire you next time you have a leadership challenge:
• Looking for leadership? Look in the mirror.
• A leader is… a dealer in hope.
• Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.
• Where there is no vision… the people perish.
• Study the past, live the moment, plan the future.
• Leadership is action… not position.
• There are no short cuts…to any place worth going.
• Don’t wait for your ship to come in…Swim out to meet it.
• Most things are difficult… before they are easy.
• Act like you’re invincible, know that you’re not.
• Fail to honour people…and they will fail to honour you.
• Blame softly, praise LOUDLY.
• The more you say… the less they remember.
• Be grateful for luck, don’t count on it.
• It’s not what happens when you’re there. It’s what happens when you’re not.
• Think with your heart.
• Authority is a poor substitute for leadership.
• Hold everyone to a high standard. Hold yourself to a high standard.
• Listen…and Lead
• There’s always room at the top. But even more room at the bottom.
• Seek out people…better than you. Different than you. Braver than you.
• The time is always right… to do what’s right.
• Keep your promises, confidences, temper.
• Why not go out on a limb? Isn’t that where the fruit is?
• Be out… and about.
• Enjoy the process… but crave the goal.
• We will either find a way… or make one.
• Be not afraid of greatness.
• Real leaders are ordinary people… with extraordinary determination.
- Steve McDermott's blog
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