I would rather be accused of breaking precedents than breaking promises.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of keeping promises over adhering to established norms.
John F. Kennedy's quote highlights the value of integrity and commitment in leadership. It suggests that leaders should prioritize their promises and commitments to others, even if it means deviating from traditional practices or facing criticism. This reflects the idea that true leadership is defined by the trust and loyalty one builds through consistent and honest actions.
In practice
A leader addressing a team about commitment to their goals.
The great battleground for the defense and expansion of freedom today is the whole southern half of the globe... the lands of the rising peoples. Their revolution is the greatest in human history. They seek an end to injustice, tyranny and exploitation. More than an end, they seek a beginning.
I had always enjoyed the title of Commander-in-Chief until I was informed ... that the only forces that cannot be transferred from Washington without my express permission are the members of the Marine Corps Band. Those are the only forces I have. I want it announced that we propose to hold the White House against all odds at least for some time to come.
I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.
I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy; Dear Jack, Don't buy a single vote more than is necessary. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay for a landslide.
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
Where might is mixed with wit, there is too good an accord in a government.
We want to support our troops because they didn't make the decision to go there... but I don't think it should be open-ended. We ought to have a benchmark where the administration has to come back and give us a report.
In most companies, the formal hierarchy is a matter of public record - it's easy to discover who's in charge of what. By contrast, natural leaders don't appear on any organization chart.
You have to empower your sales staff to use their judgment and go beyond the standards set down on paper and by the computer.
I don't just try to score. The challenge is elevating my teammates to be able to win a championship.
The intoxication of power rapidly sobers off in the knowledge of its restrictions and under the prompt reminder of an ever-present and not always considerate press, as well as the kindly suggestions that not infrequently come from Congress.
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