James H. Boren Quotes

A speaker said that this was a time when leaders should keep their ears to the ground. All I can say is that the British nation will find it very hard to look up to leaders who are detected in that somewhat ungainly posture.

I think trust is primarily built through relationships, and it's important because it's the foundational currency that a leader has with his team or his followers.

If you want to be a great leader, remember to treat all people with respect at all times. For one, because you never know when you'll need their help. And two, because it's a sign you respect people, which all great leaders do.

What people want out of their politicians is exactly the same thing that I want - somebody who is approachable, willing to work, and tells me the truth as they see it.

Too many people in government seem to think they are above regular folks, and I said I would expect humility in the way each member of my team served- that they would recognize that the taxpayer is boss.

I am honest and want to hear what the people have to say. I do not want to enrich myself in this job.

A leader is best when people barely know that he exists, not so good when people obey and acclaim him, worst when they despise him. Fail to honor people, They fail to honor you. But of a good leader, who talks little, when his work is done, his aims fulfilled, they will all say, "We did this ourselves.

With all the problems we are having, I won't be afraid to tell leadership, 'You need to explain to me why I should follow you anywhere.'

We must be humble and listen to the people who elected us to lead.

One of the best ways to see how critical being present is to effective leadership is to notice what being absent, distracted, hiding something, and/or agenda-driven does to people's ability to trust, respect, and have confidence in you.

I think it is incredibly important to be open and accessible and treat people fairly and look them in the eye and tell them what is on your mind.

The most important quality in a leader is that of being acknowledged as such. All leaders whose fitness is questioned are clearly lacking in force.

Next to power without honor, the most dangerous thing in the world is power without humor.

I think people respect governments that take decisions and act decisively.

Power is dangerous unless you have humility.

A leader must be a good listener. He must be willing to take counsel. He must show a genuine concern and love for those under his stewardship.

What a different world this would be if people would listen to those who know more and not merely try to get something from those who have more.

I believe in servant leadership, and the servant always asks, 'Where am I needed most?'

I don't care a damn for your loyal service when you think I am right; when I really want it most is when you think I am wrong.

Being a good leader requires remembering that you're there for a reason, and the reason certainly isn't to have your way. High-integrity leaders not only welcome questioning and criticism - they insist on it.

You can only govern men by serving them. The rule is without exception.

Overall, the challenge of leadership is both moral and one of developing the characteristics that make us respected by one another.

I don't like the idea of 'I've played nine years, I've made some All-Star teams, I make the most money. I've got to be a leader.' That doesn't make you a leader. Treating people the right way is more important.

Leaders should be collaborative, modest, and generous.

Few things kill likeability as quickly as arrogance. Likable leaders don't act as though they're better than you because they don't think that they're better than you. Rather than being a source of prestige, they see their leadership position as bringing them additional accountability for serving those who follow them.