The person who clears the way is the one who ultimately controls its direction, just as the canvas shapes the painting.

An organization focused on its internal world may function very well, but when it does not adapt to the larger world in which it operates, its performance may end up serving a failed strategy.

Leadership at its essence is about serving. But it's not only people serving you. You're serving them. We're joined together to serve the customer. At Medtronic, we're trying to serve the patient....

No amount of titles, degrees, trades, designations, awards, licenses, or any other credential can substitute for basic integrity when we talk about the power to influence others.

You have to link what you want to say to what others' needs are.

In most cases, those who want power probably shouldn't have it, those who enjoy it probably do so for the wrong reasons, and those who want most to hold on to it don't understand that it's only...

As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do.

Leadership is responsible. Losing is unacceptable. Passion is unquenchable. Creativity is essential. Quitting is unthinkable. Commitment is unquestionable. Victory is inevitable.

When seen through the lens of a servant's heart, leadership becomes not just a job but a calling. Lives are changed for the better. Next-generation leaders are molded. Along the way, the sense of...

But there is virtually no relationship between being an expert and being seen as someone people can trust with their secrets, doubts, and vulnerabilities. A petty office tyrant or micromanager may be...

I always had the faith that this country would elect those who knew best, who could follow the best course through any situation.

It's a short reminder that success can usually be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations we are willing to have, and by the number of uncomfortable actions we are willing to take.

True allegiance is only given willingly.

"... When a man aspires to power, I ask one simple question: 'Does he think like a businessman?' Luisa rolls her napkin into a compact ball. 'I ask three simple questions. How did he get that power?...

Avowed preference for an elite based on merit was misconstrued by enemies into a secret adoration of aristocracy.

I remember him saying over and over again: go in and check our competition. Check everyone who is our competition. And don't look for the bad. Look for the good. If you get one good idea, that's one...

Since Kemal's death, Turkey has been ruled by small minds, unsteady, weak men.

You don't correct a president. You merely compliment them on their wisdom in seeking your counsel.

Looking back now, I see that we made all the classic mistakes of a growing company.

A man in my position can't afford to be made to look ridiculous!

Building an effective, cohesive team is extremely hard. But it's also simple.

It is an axiom of warfare that a good officer never reinforces failure. To do so simply throws away more lives and a good general will avoid doing that. A commander's task, even in moments of defeat,...

A master legislative tactician, Madison was now recognized as the first opposition leader in House history and had most of the south lined up solidly behind him.

Machiavelli's The Prince and Plutarch's Lives

While other Americans dreamed of a brand-new society that would expunge all traces of effete European civilization, Hamilton humbly studied those societies for clues to the formation of a new...

In the general course of things, the popular views and even prejudices will direct the action of the rulers.

A power claimed and challenged and thrice carried out is true

It's like chess, you know. The Queen saves the King.

Discipline was necessary, but unquestioning obedience was a limiting thing, not a growing one.

power in and of itself is neither worthy of respect nor fear; it simply is. It is how power is employed, and towards what ends, that ennobles or denigrates the wielder of power.