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The President hears a hundred voices telling him that he is the greatest man in the world. He must listen carefully indeed to hear the one voice that tells him his is not.
Harry S. Truman
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Interpretation

What this quote means

True leadership requires humility and the ability to acknowledge criticism amidst praise.

This quote highlights the importance of self-awareness and humility in leadership. While a leader, like a president, may receive constant praise, it is essential to pay attention to critical voices that provide valuable feedback. This balance allows leaders to maintain perspective and serve their responsibilities effectively, reminding them that not all feedback will be flattering, but it is crucial for growth and decision-making.

Themes

LeadershipSelf-AwarenessHumilityCriticismPerspective

In practice

Example use cases

In a leadership workshop, to emphasize the need for humility, I shared this quote by Harry S. Truman.

More from Harry S. Truman

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The only things worth learning are the things you learn after you know it all.
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I never would have agreed to the formulation of the Central Intelligence Agency back in forty-seven, if I had known it would become the American Gestapo.
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I would rather have peace in the world than be President.
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Quote by Harry S. Truman | QuoteProject