Jesus said several times, “Come, follow me.†His was a program of “do what I do,†rather than “do what I say.†His innate brilliance would have permitted him to put on a dazzling display, but that would have left his followers far behind. He walked and worked with those he was to serve. His was not a long-distance leadership. He was not afraid of close friendships; he was not afraid that proximity to him would disappoint his followers. The leaven of true leadership cannot lift others unless we are with and serve those to be led.
The art of leadership is saying no, not yes. It is very easy to say yes.
Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them.
Enthusiasm is that kindling spark which marks the difference between the leaders in every activity and the laggards who put in just enough to "get by."
I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.
Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.
Leadership should be born out of the understanding of the needs of those who would be affected by it.
The leadership instinct you are born with is the backbone. You develop the funny bone and the wishbone that go with it.