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A Passion for Leadership: Lessons on Change and Reform from Fifty Years of Public Service

Book by Robert M. Gates · 1 quotes · Character, Integrity, Leadership

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A Passion for Leadership: Lessons on Change and Reform from Fifty Years of Public Service Quotes

“Honor is defined as "honesty and integrity in one's beliefs and actions," integrity being "adherence to moral principle and character." Words like these are not heard much in our public discourse today. But I believe these words and what they represent are the bedrock of effective leadership. If you seek to lead men and women, you must persuade them to follow you. That means they must trust you. Herbert Asquith, British prime minister from 1908-1916, wrote, "To speak with the tongue of men and angels, and to spend laborious days and nights in administration, is no good if a man does not inspire trust." A leader's actions must match his words. People must believe he means what he says, that his promises matter and are not just idle rhetoric. Integrity in action becomes moral authority, and it is moral authority that moves people to follow someone even at personal risk or sacrifice-- or even when they disagree.”

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Book:A Passion for Leadership: Lessons on Change and Reform from Fifty Years of Public Service
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