I’m reading Rudy Guliani’s book, Leadership, and LOVING it! I really dig this guy from a lot of angles.
Anyhow, I read something this morning that may be misunderstood, but that’s worth coming back to…
“Often I make a decision knowing I’ll be criticized but feeling certain that I’ll be vindicated. A leader has to have the confidence to think that his decisions will be proven correct. While trying to retain humility, you must accept that the reason you’re making these decisions and other people are not is because, for now, you’re in charge and they aren’t. You do no one any good if… you can’t carry the weight of your convictions. Yes, you must guard against arrogance; but if you’re doing your job and putting your motives and conscience through their paces, accept that maybe you really do know better and can see a little further down the road than others.”
A few other quotes worthy of mention:
- “Being your own man… means that you should never feel that you have to sacrifice your principles.”
- “I’m a real sports fan, whose lifelong loyalties don’t evaporate when expedient.”
- “Leaders shouldn’t abandon the trenches to pay attention only to the ‘big picture.’”
- “There is no more powerful motivation for others than a leader who sets an example.”
- “True leadership requires choosing, in every instance, the position that allows you to sleep at night.”
“Yes, you must guard against arrogance; but if you’re doing your job and putting your motives and conscience through their paces, accept that maybe you really do know better and can see a little further down the road than others.”
I’ve been accused of this myself, the “arrogance.” But I know I see down a different road. And the view is very different on my road. But I definitely don’t want to be arrogant, just obedient. I always want to be obedient.