Kenneth Chenault Quotes

The essence of leadership involves a clear sense of what you want to achieve, the ability to do what may be unpopular … and a willingness to step up

That's the true meaning of being a leader: being able to deal with the consequences and take the responsibility for it. That's who I want to be.

You can't always wait for the guys at the top. Every manager at every level in the organization has an opportunity, big or small, to do something. Every manager's got some sphere of autonomy. Don't pass the buck up the line.

Leadership is a choice, not a position.

I do tend to be a leader in situations in my own life.

There is only one way to respond to the issue of leadership and that is to lead.

The most important attribute of leadership is to trust yourself and believe in your own thinking.

If not now, then when ? If not you, then who ?

Let me be the one To do what is done.

Be the leader you wish you had.

Nobody is too important to lead the initiative you say is important.

Leadership is not a popularity contest; it's about leaving your ego at the door. The name of the game is to lead without a title.

Whatever happens, take responsibility.

Leadership is a mindset in action. So don't wait for the title. Leadership isn't something that anyone can give you - you have to earn it and claim it for yourself.

The two important things I did learn were that you are as powerful and strong as you allow yourself to be, and that the most difficult part of any endeavor is taking the first step, making the first decision.

A leader does not deserve the name unless he is willing occasionally to stand alone.

Take care, don't fight, and remember: if you do not choose to lead, you will forever be led by others. Find what scares you, and do it. And you can make a difference, if you choose to do so.

Great presidents, and even those not so great, never complained about the hands they were dealt. Just the opposite. They assumed they were in the big chair to meet big challenges, no matter how difficult.

Decisions are made by those who show up.

I've never worried about payback. People are hungry for leadership that's not afraid of political consequence.

Decisiveness is a characteristic of high-performing men and women. Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.

For good or ill, I'm a person of leadership. I do my best. I don't dodge responsibility.

I've always been a leader. Every team I've played on, I've led my way.

Optimistic people play a disproportionate role in shaping our lives. Their decisions make a difference; they are inventors, entrepreneurs, political and military leaders - not average people. They got to where they are by seeking challenges and taking risks.

Leadership comes in small acts as well as bold strokes.