7 Quotes by Inspirational Leaders

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A quick search on Google shows the definition of leader as “the person who leads or commands a group, organization or country.” While this may be true of anyone in a position of power, becoming a great leader means so much more.

A great leader is someone with accountability, confidence, optimism, focus and honesty. True leaders work to better their environment, help their team grow to build the next generation of leaders, and have clear goals and visions they strive to achieve. Becoming a great leader takes someone special.

These leaders have done amazing things to help humanity, society, and the world for generations to come. They are full of knowledge on how to be a successful leader and we can learn from their experiences. These tidbits of wisdom are great for those who want to be inspired.

Pounder on these quotes from famous leaders and let them inspire you to grow and be a better leader.

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.” — Mother Teresa

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Many people believe that they can’t make a real difference in this world because they are only one person. They feel they don’t have enough power to bring about positive change. However, Mother Teresa shows that one person can start a movement that will catch fire and spread across the world. Her actions may have started as small ripples, but they grew and turned into waves. Mother Theresa’s dedication to faith led her to help the poor and sick of Calcutta, India, which took great courage because she gave aid to those with infectious diseases. However by doing so, she encouraged others to also give back through various philanthropic efforts.

“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” — Thomas Jefferson

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Thomas Jefferson is a champion of human rights. He believed that all men deserved necessary guarantees simply for being human. However, there was backlash to many of the ideals that Thomas Jefferson stood up for. Jefferson could have easily backed down, but instead he continued to work diligently for what he was passionate about. His ideas influenced generations to come and have become a reality. Leaders frequently will be asked to change their ideals and give up their morals. Instead of giving in, leaders should live with integrity and principle and defend what they believe to be right no matter what.

“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” — Albert Einstein

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Albert Einstein’s work in mathematics remains central to the discipline today. But above all his brilliant discoveries, Einstein is almost remembered for his failures. Mainly, his humble disposition and willingness to change his mind when he realized he had made a mistake. Einstein understood that failures should be seen as an opportunity to learn. Those who never make mistakes enclose themselves into a bubble where they cannot grow as leaders. Leaders need to explore new things and be willing to think outside of the box. If they choose not to, they are limiting themselves from opportunity.

“Nothing will work unless you do.” — Maya Angelou

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Dr. Maya Angelou contributed greatly to the world as a poet, author, teacher, historian, activist, leader and mentor. She was a warrior for equality, tolerance and peace and worked diligently to improve human rights. Angelou knew that nothing would change in the world if she didn’t put in the hard work and effort to do something about it. Other leaders should think the same way. Without dedication, perseverance, hard-work and a little bit of blood, sweat and tears, there will be no long lasting changes. Unless a leader is willing to step up and put in the effort, we cannot expect that others will do the work either.

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” —Theodore Roosevelt

Having belief in yourself is a huge step in achieving your dreams. Without self-confidence, we become our worst enemy by holding ourselves back. Doubt and fear keep us away from potential opportunities. Theodore Roosevelt recognized the importance of believing in yourself in order to achieve your goals, even if others thought they were too far-fetched or unthinkable. Despite constant backlash from congress, Roosevelt proved he could help make society fairer with economic possibilities for all Americans. He revolutionized foreign affairs, government relations with big businesses, and welfare legislation. Roosevelt believed that he could make a real difference in his presidency, and was able to leave a legacy of strong leadership.

“Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air.” — John Quincy Adams

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President John Quincy Adams believed that courage and perseverance can easily triumph any obstacles that appear in front of a leader. When someone has the strength and work ethic of a true leader, then all difficulties they face can be overcome. Adams knew this well, as he played an important role in negotiating key treaties for the United States, one of which ended the War of 1812. Historians generally agree that Adams was one of the greatest diplomats and secretaries of state in American history. Working with enemies and finding compromise is a huge obstacle to overcome, but with Adams’ courage and perseverance he was able to accomplish the unthinkable.

"Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better." — Harry S. Truman

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Great leaders do not let opportunities pass them by. Instead, a great leader will seize opportunities in front of them to create positive change and overall progress. Truman knew this well, and was a courageous leader that took risks in order to strengthen society and push America forward. He is known for launching the Marshall Plan to rebuild the economy of Western Europe, for leading the Cold War against Soviet and Chinese communism by establishing the Truman Doctrine and NATO, and for intervening in the Korean War. All which took a great deal of courage from a strong leader.