“All work is honorable.

Always do your best because someone is watching.”

This advice was incredibly influential early in my career. Powell’s point isn’t that there is
always someone over your shoulder to check your work and micromanage you into
excellence. He means that every job, especially in the military, has significance and that
influence carries well beyond that single activity. If Soldiers see a leader slack on the
mundane matters, they won’t have confidence that he can competently lead them into
combat.

“Never get so close to your position that

when your position goes, your ego goes with it.”
My favorite Powell quote! This advice, more than any other, has helped me keep a
pragmatic emotional attachment to the course of my career. Not only is it unwise to
align one’s personal identity with a rank or position (after all, it’s the Army’s unit, not
yours), the immutable fact is that the military career is highly competitive.
Attaching your ego to milestones like promotion and job selection can easily cause you
to miss the influence opportunities you have right in front of you.

“If you are going to achieve excellence in big things,

you develop the habit in little matters.”
Many books have been written about the role of habits…but Powell nails it here with a
simple sentence. Our profession demands excellence, which is nothing more than a
consistent string of small actions done properly. The principle is the same for airborne
operations or managing personnel files.
“Control enthusiasm in the face of victories, large or small.”
This quote set the tone of my personal behavior as a leader. I would remember it
through multiple deployments, when the highs and lows of combat required steady
leadership. It taught me the concept that followers will take their cues from the leader
and to maintain composure and cognition when things are going your way, and when
they’re not.

“Dig up all the information you can, then go with your instincts.”
There will never be enough information to guarantee a perfect decision. Powell strikes
an insightful balance with this advice, which is applicable to combat, career moves, and
everything in between. Rather than try to think your way through complex problems, it’s
better to trust that internal voice. The subtle magic is that by digging up all the
information you can, you feed and inform your instincts.
“Don’t be buffaloed by experts and elites.
Experts often possess more data than judgment.
Elites can become so inbred that they produce hemophiliacs who bleed
to death as soon as they are nicked by the real world.”
There are entire industries of researchers and analysts ready to tell you how to do your
job. There are even people in your unit who cite their expert knowledge as vindication
for telling you something can or can’t be done. They may have data and schooling, but
they don’t have your perspective as the leader. Take their advice with a grain of salt.
 “There is no end to the good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.”
The “credit others” mindset is fundamental for impactful leadership. If something goes
well and people notice, they already know you’re the leader and played an important
part in the success. You don’t need to remind them. Instead, take every opportunity to
highlight the work of those who aren’t in the spotlight. People respect leaders who make
them feel valued, and that value is much more important than an outsider’s opinion.

“Never neglect small details, even to the point of being a pest.

Moments of stress, confusion, and fatigue are exactly when mistakes happen.
And when everyone else’s mind is dulled or distracted,
the leaders must be doubly vigilant. Always check ‘small things.'”
Powell talks about this through the book, citing one example where he stopped a buddy
from rappelling out of a Huey on an unattached rope. Attention to detail saves lives and
gets the mission done. Nothing sets this climate better than a leader who walks the line
to check and reinforce the basics. And in the fog of war and late hours of exhaustion,
that leader must remain vigilant for small mistakes that can have disastrous
consequences.

“You don’t step on enthusiasm.”

We don’t hear this often, but it’s important for leaders to nurture their
followers’ passion for the service and desire to contribute. The best way to do this is to
encourage them when they show initiative and enthusiasm. Even if their ideas are
underdeveloped or not quite realistic, guide them into more productive areas without
crushing their spirit. No one likes to get excited about an idea only to hear that it’s not
relevant.
“Never believe the first thing you hear.”
A universal principle. This advice applies to everything from reports on enemy activity
to Soldier discipline problems. Not only is there always more to the story, there are more
perspectives to consider. Rarely should leaders act on a single piece of information,
especially in the military when the activities routinely involve risk to life or contact with
an enemy.
“Leadership is solving problems.
The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day
you have stopped leading them.”
Perhaps the most important leadership principle in My American Journey and a
fundamental tenet of servant leadership. This advice helped me realize that the constant
stream of “Soldier problems” leaders face throughout the day isn’t a distraction from
leadership…that is leadership. Leaders help followers identify hazards, navigate
obstacles, and learn to avoid them in the future. Leadership is resourcing answers for
the formation on their path to accomplishing the mission.
And I’ll close with a bonus quote, which I’d be remiss for leaving out:

“Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.”

1. “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and
learning from failure.” Colin Powell

2. “Leadership is solving problems.” Colin Powell

3. “If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little
matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.” Colin Powell

4. “Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves,
those who work hard and play hard.” Colin Powell
5. “Get mad, then get over it.” Colin Powell

6. “Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument,
debate and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand.” Colin Powell

7. “Don’t let your ego get too close to your position so that if your position gets shot
down, your ego doesn’t go with it.” Colin Powell

8. “It ain’t where you start in life, it’s where you end up, and what you did along the
way.” Colin Powell

9. “It ain’t as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.” Colin Powell
10. “Don’t bother people for help without first trying to solve the problem
yourself.” Colin Powell

11. “Always show more kindness than seems necessary because the person receiving it
needs it more than you will ever know.” Colin Powell

12. “Trust is the glue that holds people together and is the lubricant that keeps an
organization moving forward.” Colin Powell

13. “Giving back involves a certain amount of giving up.” Colin Powell

14. “Always focus on the front windshield and not the rearview mirror.” Colin Powell
15. “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.” Colin Powell

16. “The best method of overcoming obstacles is the team method.” Colin Powell

17. “As a leader you set the tone for your entire team. Communicate your vision.” Colin
Powell
18. “Look for intelligence and judgement and most critically, a capacity to anticipate, to
see around corners. Also look for loyalty, integrity, a high energy drive, a balanced ego
and the drive to get things done.” Colin Powell

19. “Never neglect details. When everyone’s mind is dulled or distracted the leader must
be doubly vigilant.” Colin Powell
20. “Trying to get everyone to like you is a sign of mediocrity.” Colin Powell

21. “In other words, don’t expect to always be great. Disappointments, failures and
setbacks are a normal part of the lifecycle of a unit or a company and what
the leader has to do is constantly be up and say, we have a problem, let’s go and get
it.” Colin Powell

22. “Faults are yours to fix, not to curse.” Colin Powell

23. “When we are debating an issue, loyalty means giving me your honest opinion,
whether you think I’ll like it or not. Disagreement, at this stage, stimulates me. But once
a decision has been made, the debate ends. From that point on, loyalty means executing
the decision as if it were your own.” Colin Powell

24. “The healthiest competition occurs when average people win by putting above
average effort.” Colin Powell
25. “Have a vision. Be demanding.” Colin Powell

26. “Only by attracting the best people will you accomplish great deeds.” Colin Powell

27. “In prosperity our friends know us. In adversity we know our friends.” Colin Powell

28. “None of us can change our yesterdays but all of us can change our
tomorrows.” Colin Powell

29. “Treat people kindly. When you are kind to somebody and I don’t mean necessarily
buddy-buddy, just show kindness and consideration. Show that people are worthy and
you respect them and you are glad they’re with you.” Colin Powell
30. “The freedom to be your best means nothing unless you are willing to do your
best.” Colin Powell

31. “Remain calm. Be kind.” Colin Powell

32. “Experts often possess more data than judgement.” Colin Powell

33. “Always do your best. Somebody is watching you.” Colin Powell

34. “I think whether you’re having setbacks or not, the role of a leader is to always
display a winning attitude.” Colin Powell
35. “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic it takes sweat, determination and
hard work.” Colin Powell
Never get too close to your position that when your position goes, your ego goes with it

If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters

There is no end to the good you can do if you dont care who gets the credit

Bad news isn’t wine , it doesn’t improve with age

Never believe the first thing you hear

Get mad then get over it

It ain’t where you start in life, its where you end up and what you did along the way

Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have
stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care.
Either case is a failure of leadership."

Fear and failure are always present. Accept them as part of life and learn how to manage these realities

Control enthusiasm in the face of victories large or small

If you get the dirty end of a stick, sharpen it and turn it into a useful tool

Colin Powell quotes praising preparation and hard work

1. “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” –
Colin Powell

2. “Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.” – Colin
Powell

3. “If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence
is not an exception; it is a prevailing attitude.” – Colin Powell

4. “Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work
hard and play hard.” – Colin Powell

5. “Don’t be afraid to challenge the pros, even in their own backyard.” – Colin Powell

6. “Diplomacy is listening to what the other guy needs. Preserving your own position, but listening to the
other guy. You have to develop relationships with other people so when the tough times come, you can
work together.” – Colin Powell

7. “Always be looking for that which you do well and that which you love doing, and when you find
those two things together — man, you got it.” – Colin Powell

8. “Never neglect details. When everyone’s mind is dulled or distracted the leader must be doubly
vigilant.” – Colin Powell
9. “My own experience is use the tools that are out there. Use the digital world. But never lose sight of
the need to reach out and talk to other people who don’t share your view. Listen to them and see if you
can find a way to compromise.” – Colin Powell

10. “Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate and
doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand.” – Colin Powell

Colin Powell quotes on life and leadership

11. “I think whether you’re having setbacks or not, the role of a leader is to always display a winning
attitude.” – Colin Powell

12. “Don’t just show kindness in passing or to be courteous. Show it in depth, show it with passion, and
expect nothing in return. Kindness is not just about being nice; it’s about recognizing another human
being who deserves care and respect.” – Colin Powell

13. “What could be more important than equipping the next generation with the character and
competence they need to become successful.” – Colin Powell

14. “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.” – Colin Powell

15. “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from
failure.” – Colin Powell

16. “It ain’t where you start in life, it’s where you end up, and what you did along the way.” – Colin
Powell

17. “Always show more kindness than seems necessary because the person receiving it needs it more
than you will ever know.” – Colin Powell

18. “Trust is the glue that holds people together and is the lubricant that keeps an organization moving
forward.” – Colin Powell

19. “Whenever you start-give it your best. The opportunities are there to be anything you want to be.
But wanting to be someone isn’t enough; dreaming about it isn’t enough; thinking about it isn’t enough.
You’ve got to study for it, work for it, fight for it with all your heart and soul, because nobody is going to
hand it to you.” – Colin Powell

20. “The best method of overcoming obstacles is the team method.” – Colin Powell

Colin Powell quotes that will inspire you to make your dreams a reality

21. “Look for intelligence and judgement and most critically, a capacity to anticipate, to see around
corners. Also look for loyalty, integrity, a high energy drive, a balanced ego and the drive to get things
done.” – Colin Powell
22. “In other words, don’t expect to always be great. Disappointments, failures and setbacks are a
normal part of the lifecycle of a unit or a company and what the leader has to do is constantly be up and
say, we have a problem, let’s go and get it.” – Colin Powell

23. “Organization doesn’t really accomplish anything. Plans don’t accomplish anything, either. Theories
of management don’t much matter. Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved. Only by
attracting the best people will you accomplish great deeds.” – Colin Powell

24. “The freedom to be your best means nothing unless you are willing to do your best.” – Colin Powell

25. “Good leaders set vision, missions, and goals. Great leaders inspire every follower at every level to
internalize their purpose, and to understand that their purpose goes far beyond the mere details of their
job. When everyone is united in purpose, a positive purpose that serves not only the organization but
also, hopefully, the world beyond it, you have a winning team.” – Colin Powell

26. “Fit no stereotypes. Don’t chase the latest management fads. The situation dictates which approach
best accomplishes the team’s mission.” – Colin Powell

27. “We need to understand that we as citizens and as a government in any community throughout this
country have no more important obligation than to educate those who are going to replace us.” – Colin
Powell

28. “Have fun in your command. Don’t always run at a breakneck pace. Take leave when you’ve earned
it, spend time with your families.” – Colin Powell

29. “War should be the politics of last resort. And when we go to war, we should have a purpose that
our people understand and support.” – Colin Powell

30. “The healthiest competition occurs when average people win by putting above average effort.”
– Colin Powell

Colin Powell quotes on hard work and success

31. “You should never be so involved with your position/job that when the position is gone your entire
self-image is gone with it.” – Colin Powell

32. “If you get the dirty end of the stick, sharpen it and turn it into a useful tool.” – Colin Powell

33. “The ties that bind us are stronger than the occasional stresses that separate us.” – Colin Powell

34. “Each of us is a product of all our experiences and all our interactions with other people.” – Colin
Powell

35. “Fear and failure are always present. Accept them as part of life and learn how to manage these
realities. Be scared, but keep going. Being scared is usually transient. It will pass. If you fail, fix the causes
and keep going.” – Colin Powell

36. “All work is honorable. Always do your best, because someone is watching.” – Colin Powell

37. “There is no end to the good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.” – Colin Powell
38. “I have always tried to keep my confidence and optimism up, no matter how difficult the situation.”
– Colin Powell

39. “If you take the pay, earn it. Always do your very best. Even when no one else is looking, you always
are. Don’t disappoint yourself.” – Colin Powell

40. “When we are debating an issue, loyalty means giving me your honest opinion, whether you think I’ll
like it or not. Disagreement, at this stage, stimulates me. But once a decision has been made, the debate
ends. From that point on, loyalty means executing the decision as if it were your own.” – Colin Powell

Colin Powell’s 13 rules of leadership

Rule 1: It Ain’t as Bad as You Think. It Will Look Better in the Morning.

Rule 2: Get Mad Then Get Over It.

Rule 3: Avoid Having Your Ego so Close to your Position that When Your Position Falls, Your Ego Goes
With It.

Rule 4: It Can be Done.

Rule 5: Be Careful What You Choose. You May Get It.

Rule 6: Don’t Let Adverse Facts Stand in the Way of a Good Decision.

Rule 7: You Can’t Make Someone Else’s Decisions. You Shouldn’t Let Someone Else Make Yours.

Rule 8: Check Small Things.

Rule 9: Share Credit.

Rule 10: Remain calm. Be kind.

Rule 11: Have a Vision. Be Demanding.

Rule 12: Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.

Rule 13: Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

Rule 1: It Ain’t as Bad as You Think! It Will Look Better in the Morning!

These are the words of a man and of a leader who has lived a few years. It is true how many events that
seem so devastating have in them the seeds of renewal if we look for them. Give it some time and
perspective. You can deal with it! You have made it this far!

Colin Powell's Leadership Rule 1: It Ain't as Bad as You Think! It Will Look Better in the Morning! CLICK TO
TWEET

Rule 2: Get Mad Then Get Over It!

OK, you’re mad–maybe even righteously so! So, instead of letting anger destroy you, use it to make
constructive change in the organization. Acknowledge and accept that you are angry and then use your
anger in an effective manner for your own benefit and the benefit of others.

Rule 3: Avoid Having Your Ego so Close to your Position that When Your Position Falls, Your Ego Goes
With It!

Your position is what you do to live, it is not who you are. Leaders that have “their egos in check” can
lead from wherever they are. For them, the position was just a means to an ends–not the ends itself.
You can always lead!

Rule 4: It Can be Done!

Leaders are about making things happen. They continually ask, Why Not, when faced with the
improbable. While one approach may not work, it can be done another way. Find the other way to
make it happen!

Rule 5: Be Careful What You Choose! You May Get It!

Don’t be rash with your decisions. You will have to live with your decisions, and many decisions have
unintended consequences. This also includes the people you choose to associate with. Choose them
wisely too!

Rule 6: Don’t Let Adverse Facts Stand in the Way of a Good Decision.

Whoever said leadership was easy! If they did, they were not truthful. Leaders sometimes have to stand
alone (or with the support of only a few) on what they know to be right. They have to make difficult,
right decisions that may cost them some relationships. Fortunately, the truth has a way of surfacing with
time. Leaders we now admire such as Dr. Martin Luther King and President Abraham Lincoln had plenty
of people who hated them in their times. Make the right decision, take the heat, and let time and good
results prove you right!

Rule 7: You Can’t Make Someone Else’s Decisions! You Shouldn’t Let Someone Else Make Yours!

While good leaders listen and consider all perspectives, they ultimately make their own decisions and
take responsibility for their choices. If it does not feel, seem, or smell right, it may not be right. Make
your own decision about what is in your own best interests. Accept your good decisions. Learn from
your mistakes.

Colin Powell's Leadership Rule 7: You Can't Make Someone Else's Decisions! You Shouldn't Let Someone
Else Make Yours!CLICK TO TWEET

Rule 8: Check Small Things!

While leaders live in the “big picture” world they should never forget the importance of the details and
ensure they are attended to. It is often the small things, or little foxes as King Solomon put it, that ruin
the best laid plans. Don’t forget the details!

Rule 9: Share Credit!

It is probably our American culture but “leader worship” seems engrained in us. The CEO’s get all of the
attention and most of the credit for a company’s success. While leaders are indispensable to success,
the truth is the leader did not achieve all that success by himself. His success is built on the talents of
the women and men working with him to achieve the vision. Without them, he would not be
successful. So, share the credit with others! Some of it rightfully belongs to them anyway.

Rule 10: Remain calm! Be kind!

It is hard for a leader to inspire confidence and resilience in others if he cannot keep his composure in
times of difficulty. It is hard for a leader to garner loyalty from others if he treats them badly. Remain
calm and be kind and your team will climb mountains for you!

Rule 11: Have a Vision! Be Demanding!

Lost sometimes in the language of inclusion, employee participation, servant leadership, motivation, etc.
is the fact that leaders are demanding when it comes to fulfilling the vision. Effective leaders do not
accept poor performance and mediocre results. They hold people accountable for their performance. It
is talented people working diligently that achieve success. Be clear about what needs to be done and
hold people accountable for fulfilling their roles and responsibilities.

Rule 12: Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers!

Fear can be paralyzing and there will always be those who do not support a leader or have her best
interests at heart no matter how hard she tries to work effectively with them. Tune out your fears and
the uninformed naysayers. You will be more successful.

Colin Powell's Leadership Rule 12: Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers! CLICK TO TWEET

Rule 13: Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier!

There is something to be said for the leader who refuses to accept defeat and continues to adapt as
necessary until she is successful. She is a force to be reckoned with and she will positively impact
others. Remain optimistic and your leadership effectiveness will multiply.

Colin Powell’s short rules are full of wisdom and application. They remain powerful lessons for any
leader. These rules encourage leaders to manage their emotions effectively, have a realistic sense of
who they are as a person, model the behavior they want from others, take tough stands as appropriate,
and treat their teams with respect. We can all do well with these 13 rules!

36 Military Leader Quotes Any Manager Can Learn From

“It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into
battle.” – General Norman Schwarzkopf, U.S. Army

With Veterans Day this week in America, we honor those who have died serving in our military.

The crucible of war and battle is a challenge I can only imagine. I am fortunate to live in a country where
war is a distant event, only made real by friends and family who have or currently do serve. I’m grateful
for everyone who serves.
“If there is not the war, you don’t get the great general; if there is not a great occasion, you don’t get a
great statesman; if Lincoln had lived in a time of peace, no one would have known his name.”

– Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States & former Army Colonel

Military Leader Quotes: Good leaders listen to their teams.

Whether a soldier on a battlefield, a staff member meeting with customers, or an engineer building a
key component, those doing the front line work have valuable insights.

As Colin Powell’s quote above, and former commander-in-chief & U.S. Presidents below all learned,
listening is an essential skill for success as a leader.

“When I am getting ready to reason with a man, I spend one-third of my time thinking about myself and
what I am going to say and two-thirds about him and what he is going to say.”
– Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States and former Captain in the Illinois state militia
during the Black Hawk War.

“No man has ever listened himself out of a job.”

– Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States

''Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do
it.''
– Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States, and former General of the Army
Click to Tweet

“A general is just as good or just as bad as the troops under his command make him.”
– General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur

“There’s likely a place in paradise for people who tried hard, but what really matters is succeeding. If
that requires you to change, that’s your mission.”
– General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army Retired
In General McChrystal’s recent book, Team of Teams, he recounted the only way to succeed was to
change and get everyone involved in the war with Al Qaeda across agencies and military branches
talking and listening.

Once all teams were communicating and listening to each other, suddenly actions that would take a
week could be executed in a matter of hours. They cut even more time off their delays by commanders
trusting those under their command to act based on what they were seeing and hearing.

All of this combined to save American lives, and make everyone’s efforts more successful. All of this was
possible because Gen. McChrystal and others listened to their teams.

Military Leader Quotes: Good leaders trust their teams to execute.

Being a dictator is a poor way to lead. You miss out on the critical thinking skills of the people executing
your orders or instructions, and you kill their drive and motivation.

Give people some ownership in how they do their work and you’ll get better results as these famous
generals and Presidents knew so well.

''Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their
ingenuity.''
– General George S. Patton, U.S. Army

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“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the
people to do the greatest things.”
– Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States, and former Captain in the Army Reserves

“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
– Harry S Truman, 33rd President of the United States, and former Colonel in the U.S. Army

“All of the real heroes are not storybook combat fighters either. Every single man in this Army play a vital
role. Don’t ever let up. Don’t ever think that your job is unimportant. Every man has a job to do and he
must do it. Every man is a vital link in the great chain.”
– General George S. Patton, U.S. Army

Military Leader Quotes: Good leaders know they’re in the people business.

Whether your team runs a submarine, is fighting on the front lines of World War I, or writes software,
it’s important to show respect, care, and loyalty to them. Without it, you won’t get their full buy-in and
effort put into their work.

“The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with
people.”
– Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, and former U.S. Army Colonel

“To get the best out of your men, they must feel that you are their real leader and must know that they
can depend upon you.”
– General of the Armies John J. Pershing, U.S. Army

“Because the crew was convinced that I was “on their team” there were never any issues with negative
criticism… You as a mentor have to establish that you are sincerely interested in the problems of the
person you are mentoring.”
– Ret. Capt L. David Marquet, US Navy and author, Turn the Ship Around!

“Always do everything you ask of those you command.”

– General George S. Patton, U.S. Army
Military Leader Quotes: Good leaders have strong ethics.

When you lead others, the example you set is the most powerful way you convey to them what’s
important. It’s not always easy to do the right thing, but it’s absolutely necessary if you expect the same
from the people you lead as these generals knew so well.

''The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it.''
— General Norman Schwarzkopf, U.S. Army

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“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the
compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the
equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.”
– General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur

“The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no
matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.“
– Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States, and former General of the Army

''Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be
without the strategy.''
– General Norman Schwarzkopf, U.S. ArmyClick to Tweet

Setting a good example is critical to the success of your organization.

Military Leader Quotes: Good leaders never give up.

Perseverance through adversity is key to succeeding in battle, and in life. As these generals and former
President know so well, it’s the ability to push forward that matters most.

“Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul.”

– General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur

“Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.”

– John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States, and former Navy Lieutenant

''The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph.'' – George Washington, 1st President of the United
States, and Commanding General of the Continental ArmyClick to Tweet

“The truly great leader overcomes all difficulties, and campaigns and battles are nothing but a long
series of difficulties to be overcome. The lack of equipment, the lack of food, the lack of this or that are
only excuses; the real leader displays his quality in his triumphs over adversity, however great it may be.”
– General of the Army George C Marshall, and former Secretary of State & Secretary of Defense

''Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.''
– Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of England during World War II, and former commander in the
British Army
Click to Tweet

Behind every great success story are equally great challenges they had to overcome.
Military Leader Quotes: Great leaders are always learning

Great leaders are lifelong learners, whether you’re a 4-Star U.S. General or the manager of a team of
engineers. They understand that leadership is a profession in and of itself, one which you could study
your entire life and still have more to learn and improve upon.

Learning as a leader can come from both dedicated study, and from the hard won lessons of experience.
Both are important to your growth and ongoing success.

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”
– Colin Powell, former U.S. General, Secretary of State, and National Security Advisor

“Mountaintops inspire leaders, but valleys mature them.”

– Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of England during World War II, and former commander in the
British Army

“To err is nature, to rectify error is glory.”

– George Washington, 1st President of the United States, and Commanding General of the Continental
Army

''Preparedness is the key to success and victory.'' – General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur

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“In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.”
– Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States, and former General of the Army

“The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.”
– General Norman Schwarzkopf, U.S. Army

Whether it’s success on the battlefield or in the office, a leader needs to be willing to learn from their
past failures and move on, and able to take those lessons and translate them into new skills that
improve their ability to lead.

Good leaders listen to their teams.

Good leaders trust their teams to execute.
Good leaders know they’re in the people business.
Good leaders have strong ethics.
Good leaders never give up.
Great leaders are always learning