10 of the Best Leadership Quotes Great Leaders Should Know
Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a mindset. You've likely heard the names of well-known leaders and good examples like John Maxwell, Helen Keller, Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, and more. They and many others understand that the true leadership role is more about influence than authority. Whether you're leading at a company, managing a team, or building a movement, the most effective way to lead often comes down to how you show up, how you communicate, and how you inspire others through a good example.
This list of quotes goes beyond just a list —they offer practical insights, personal reflections, and leadership development takeaways inspired by some of the greatest leaders in history. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, coach, or just someone with a desire to lead well, this is your reminder (and a fresh perspective) of what genuine leadership really looks like.
1. "The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers." – Ralph Nader
This quote defines one of the most essential and often overlooked aspects of effective leadership. Too often, leaders focus solely on getting things done, hitting goals, or maintaining authority. But the real task of successful leaders is to multiply leadership—developing and empowering others to step into their own leadership roles. This is the function of leadership at its best: creating environments where people grow, rise, and lead. Whether you're managing team members or mentoring future leaders, your impact is measured not by how many follow you, but by how many rise and come alongside you.
Reflection: Who are you actively pouring into right now to help them grow in their leadership?
2. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Great leaders are often trailblazers. They challenge the status quo and push beyond what’s comfortable to carve out new possibilities. This quote reminds us that the most effective leaders don’t wait to be told what to do—they lead from vision, not just tradition. They also value shared vision. In a world that changes quickly, staying on the well-worn path might feel safe, but it rarely produces innovation or transformation. A true leader steps into uncertainty with courage, creates a greater vision, and inspires others to follow, sometimes long before the results are visible.
Reflection: Where in your life or leadership are you being called to lead in a new way, even if it feels risky? How can you create a shared vision while leading your team down a new trail.
3. "A good leader is a person who takes a little more than his share of the blame and a little less than his share of the credit." – John C. Maxwell
This quote embodies servant leadership. Good leaders don’t need the spotlight to feel secure—they are secure enough in themselves to shine it on others. By accepting responsibility when things go wrong and sharing praise when things go right, leaders build credibility and trust. This quality of a leader is often what separates average leaders from outstanding ones. In today’s fast-paced, pressure-filled environments, leaders who demonstrate humility and emotional intelligence tend to retain stronger teams, reduce turnover, and cultivate loyalty that lasts.
Reflection: When was the last time you intentionally gave credit to someone else or accepted blame on behalf of your team? This is the very essence of leadership.
4. "The task of the leader is to get their people from where they are to where they have not been." – Henry Kissinger
This quote speaks directly to leadership development and vision casting. It's realizing that others will have their own definition of leadership or matters of style, and that's okay! How can you develop that? The role of a leader is not just to manage—it’s to see what others can’t yet see, believe in what others haven’t yet believed, and take people to a better future. Every team has untapped leadership potential. The best leaders know how to draw it out, set the direction, and walk alongside their people. This type of transformative leadership involves casting a compelling vision, offering consistent feedback, and creating a culture where growth is expected and celebrated.
Reflection: How are you helping your people stretch into their next level of growth and tap into their own definition of leadership?
5. "To lead people, walk behind them." – Lao Tzu
Lao Tzu’s wisdom reminds us that true leadership is often quiet, humble, and deeply relational. Instead of needing to be seen as the one in front, the genuine leader understands the value of support from behind. This is the heart of servant leadership: allowing others to take ownership while offering presence, wisdom, and trust. When people feel believed in, they begin to believe in themselves. Great leaders don’t dominate; they elevate. Walking behind your team might look passive, but it’s one of the most powerful positions of leadership.
Reflection: What might shift if you stopped leading from the front and instead supported your team from behind?
6. "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." – John C. Maxwell
This quote is the very definition of integrity in leadership. Great leaders don’t just speak—they act. They model the behavior, mindset, and attitude they want to see in others. This example-based leadership is especially powerful in small group settings or team environments, where people are watching not just what you say but how you live. Maxwell’s words challenge us to embody what we expect from others, creating alignment between our values and our actions. That’s how trust is built—and how real leadership is sustained.
Reflection: What’s one area where your team needs to see you lead by example?
7. "You do not lead by hitting people over the head—that’s assault, not leadership." – Dwight D. Eisenhower
Leadership is not about control; it’s about influence. Eisenhower's quote may be humorous, but it cuts to the core of what leadership should never become—forceful, domineering, or fear-based. The best leadership environments are psychologically safe. They foster open communication, mutual respect, and emotional intelligence. When people feel seen and valued, they bring their best. When fear or force is used, creativity, trust, and innovation disappear. Great leaders guide with wisdom, not intimidation.
Reflection: What kind of culture are you creating with your leadership—one of fear or one of freedom?
8. "Do what you feel in your heart to be right—for you'll be criticized anyway." – Eleanor Roosevelt
The challenge of leadership is often internal. It’s the tension between pleasing people and doing what’s right. Eleanor Roosevelt’s words are a reminder that leadership requires courage. You’ll never lead without resistance. But when you’re grounded in your values—when you have a clear moral compass—you’ll be able to stand firm even in the face of criticism. This quote reinforces one of the most important leadership skills: integrity. Doing the right thing, not the easy thing, is what defines lasting leadership.
Reflection: Are your recent decisions driven by conviction or by fear of being misunderstood?
9. "A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus." – Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership model was powerful because it was visionary. He didn’t simply go with the crowd—he invited people to rise to a shared standard of truth, justice, and action. This quote reminds us that real leaders don’t avoid conflict—they guide others toward alignment and unity. True leadership requires the ability to hold space for differing opinions while still moving people toward a common purpose. You don’t just inherit influence; you shape it.
Reflection: How are you helping your team or community build shared vision and alignment?
10. "One of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency." – Arnold Glasow
Great leaders are proactive. They don’t wait for the fire—they spot the spark. Arnold Glasow’s quote speaks to foresight, strategic thinking, and responsibility. Recognizing issues early is one of the most important leadership skills, especially in high-stakes environments. When you train yourself to pause, assess risk, and ask the hard questions before a crisis hits, you set your team up for long-term success. This type of leadership also increases efficiency and builds confidence in your ability to lead.
Reflection: What issue in your leadership context could become a crisis if not addressed now?
Final Thought
The most dangerous leadership myth is that only certain people are “natural born leaders.” The truth is, leadership can be learned. It’s not about being the loudest or the most charismatic—it’s about being consistent, self-aware, and committed to the growth of those around you.
These quotes don’t just inspire—they challenge. If you want to grow in your leadership role, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact, let these words be your guide.
Because true leadership isn’t something you claim—it’s something you prove.
