No one wants to hear everything that's in your head. They just want you to live up to what comes out of your mouth.
Adam GrantRead
You want people who choose to follow because they genuinely believe in ideas, not because they're afraid to be punished if they don't. For startups, there's so much pivoting that's required that if you have a bunch of sheep, you're in bad shape.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True leadership inspires genuine belief rather than fear of punishment.
In this quote, Adam Grant emphasizes the importance of authentic engagement and commitment in leadership, especially within startups. He suggests that leaders should aim to attract followers who are motivated by the value of ideas and vision, rather than those who follow out of fear of consequences. Such genuine commitment is crucial for navigating the inevitable changes and challenges that arise in a startup environment.
Themes
LeadershipAuthenticityCommitmentStartupsIdeas
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting to inspire collaboration, you might say, 'Let's focus on building a team that believes in our mission, not just following orders.'
More from Adam Grant
All quotes →In the eyes of many people, giving doesn't count unless it's completely selfless. In reality, though, giving isn't sustainable when it's completely selfless.
Adam GrantRead
When you procrastinate, you're more likely to let your mind wander. That gives you a better chance of stumbling onto the unusual and spotting unexpected patterns.
Adam GrantRead
We have many identities, and we can't be authentic to them all. The best we can do is be sincere in our efforts to earn the values we claim.
Adam GrantRead
We all have thoughts and feelings that we believe are fundamental to our lives but that are better left unspoken.
Adam GrantRead
Procrastinating is a vice when it comes to productivity, but it can be a virtue for creativity.
Adam GrantRead
Similar quotes
Can you care for the people and rule the country and not be cunning?
LaoziRead
Firstly, you must always implicitly obey orders, without attempting to form any opinion of your own respecting their propriety. Secondly, you must consider every man your enemy who speaks ill of your king; and thirdly, you must hate a Frenchman, as you do the devil.
Horatio NelsonRead
People of influence understand the incredible value of becoming a good listener.
John C. MaxwellRead
Anytime you get an award as a coach, you've got to be the ultimate fool to think it wasn't your assistant coaches and all the players responsible for the award.
Don MeyerRead
I make no apologies for being reasonable.
Barack ObamaRead
Consider what it takes for successful businessmen and businesswomen, effective entrepreneurs and hardworking associates, shrewd retirees and idealistic students to combine forces with a creative pastor to grow a "successful church" today. Clearly, it doesn't require the power of God to draw a crowd in our culture. A few key elements that we can manufacture will suffice.
David PlattRead