Post 2: Leadership Quotes of President George W. Bush from his 2010 Memoir:



President Bush

 This is second posting of leadership quotes I lifted from Decision Points.  I hope you will read the first posting too, if you haven't already.  It can be retrieved from the blog archive which is to the right of posting area.  The leadership trait that corresponds to the quote is included at the end of the quote along with the page number.  Have a great and safe week and remember:

"Character based leadership is from the inside-out."

“I had told Tony (Blair) that I admired Churchill’s courage, principle, and sense of humor-all of which I thought were necessary for leadership.” P.108


“Everyone was on time. That was what I expected. Timeliness is important to make sure an organization does not get sloppy.” P. 109 Punctual and disciplined


“I learn best by asking questions.” P. 109 Inquisitive


“I had constantly questioned my assumptions and weighed the options again and again. With the decision made, I felt a sense of calm.” P.119 Thoroughness


The measure of their (former presidents) character, and often their success, was how they responded (public opinion). Those who based decisions on principle, not some snapshot of public opinion, were often vindicated over time.” P.121 Integrity


“I found solace in reading the Bible, which Abraham Lincoln called “the best gift God has given to man.” P. 140 Faith and Prioritizing


“We started the Cabinet meeting with prayer.” P.145 Faith and Prioritizing


…the wall. Over time, the government had adopted a set of procedures that prevented law enforcement and intelligence personnel from sharing key information.” P.160 Communication and Openness


“Yet the man from Missouri (Truman) knew how to make a decision and stick by it. He did what he thought was right and didn’t care much what the critics said.” P.174 Decisiveness and Integrity


“The atmosphere (at Camp David) fosters reflection and clear thinking.” P.184 Reflection and relaxation


“Pray as if it all depends upon God, for it does. But work as if it all depends upon us, for it does.” P. 190 Faith and work ethic (Here, Bush is quoting a passage from St. Ignatius of Loyola)


“I did not try to manage the logistics or the tactical decisions. My instinct was to trust the judgment of the military leadership. They were the trained professionals; I was a new commander in chief.” P.195 Delegating and Trust


“I placed a high priority on personal diplomacy. Getting to know a fellow world leader’s personality, character, and concerns made it easier to find common ground and deal with contentious issues.” P. 195 Relationships


“If you would win a man to your cause,” Lincoln once said, “first convince him that you’re his friend.” P. 195 Relationships


“I offered advice and made request, but I was careful not to give him (Karzai of Afghanistan) orders. The best way to help him grow as a leader was to treat him like one.” P. 208 Personnel Development and Relationships

Esse Quam Videri!

Carpe Diem
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