Whenever we have thanked these men and women for what they have done for us, without exception they have expressed gratitude for having the chance to help - because they grew as they served.
Interpretation
True leaders find fulfillment in serving others and grow through their contributions.
This quote by Clayton Christensen highlights the reciprocal nature of gratitude in service. When we express appreciation towards those who assist us, they often feel grateful not just for the recognition but for the opportunity to serve, reinforcing the idea that personal growth often comes through helping others.
In practice
In a commencement speech, one might use this quote to inspire graduates to value service.
You can talk all you want about having a clear purpose and strategy for your life, but ultimately this means nothing if you are not investing the resources you have in a way that is consistent with your strategy. In the end, a strategy is nothing but good intentions unless it's effectively implemented.
...it's easier to hold to your principles 100% of the time than it is to hold to them 98% of the time.
Disruptive innovations create jobs, efficiency innovations destroy them.
Focus is scary—until you realize that it only means turning your back on markets you could never have anyway. Sharp focus on jobs that customers are trying to get done holds the promise of greatly improving the odds of success in new-product development.
Don't worry about the level of individual prominence you have achieved; worry about the individuals you have helped become better people.
Intimate, loving, and enduring relationships with our family and close friends will be among the sources of the deepest joy in our lives.
I can make brigadier generals, but i can't make horses.
I want a president with a record of public service, someone whose life's work shows our children that we don't chase fame and fortune for ourselves: we fight to give everyone a chance to succeed.
We have to lock up people, without trial, whether they are communists, whether they are language chauvinists, whether they are religious extremists. If you don’t do that, the country would be in ruins.
A leader's role is not to control people or stay on top of things, but rather to guide, energize and excite.
Brevity is the soul of command. Too much talking suggests desperation on the part of the leader. Speak shortly, decisively and to the point–and couch your desires in such natural logic that no one can raise objections. Then move on.
It is the responsibility of leadership and management to give opportunities and put demands on people which enable them to grow as human beings in their work environment.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.