Toastmasters International -

Whether you’ve just stepped into a leadership role, or are still gathering the courage to do so, these quotes may be just the inspiration you need. Enjoy the different viewpoints on leadership below.

“Powerful, impactful leaders know there is not a monopoly on intelligence.”
— CARLA HARRIS, vice chairman at Morgan Stanley

“If you know how to do things, you will always have a job. If you know why you do them, you will always be a leader.”
— STRIVE MASIYIWA, founder of Econet

“Whatever your grade or position, if you know how and when to speak—and when to remain silent—your chances of real success are proportionately increased.”
— RALPH C. SMEDLEY, founder of Toastmasters International

“Culturally intelligent leaders understand what makes people different.”
— DAVID LIVERMORE, president of the Cultural Intelligence Center

“I learned to always take on things I’d never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist.”
— GINNI ROMETTY, president and CEO of IBM

“The simplest thing we can do to understand others’ definition of leadership is to sit down and ask (them).”
— MOHAMMED MURAD, Toastmasters Past International President 2014-2015

“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.”
— EPICTETUS, Greek Stoic philosopher

“Have no fear of perfection—you’ll never reach it.”
— SALVADOR DALÍ, famed Spanish surrealist

“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.”
— ROSALYNN CARTER, First Lady of the United States 1977-81

“There are good leaders who actively guide and bad leaders who actively misguide. Hence, leadership is about persuasion, presentation and people skills.”
— SHIV KHERA, author, motivational speaker

“Integrity is the most valuable and respected quality of leadership. Always keep your word.”
— BRIAN TRACY, motivational public speaker and author

“People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.”
— JOHN C. MAXWELL, leadership author and speaker