Business Quotes

Leaders can choose to grow and change, but generally the most powerful predictor of future performance is past behavior. Evaluate them realistically.

~ Lee Ellis

Affirming others isn’t ‘flattering’ them—it’s when you genuinely and consistently acknowledge their efforts and accomplishments, both large and small. Make affirmation a habit and watch what happens!

~ Lee Ellis

Leaders devoid of crucible experiences are likely to be overly confident about their ideas, and surprisingly more susceptible to fears; this is also true of children who are overly sheltered from facing challenges and experiences that help build their character. Courageously facing our fears in the difficult times gives us both humility and real confidence.

~ Lee Ellis

Voters—here’s the real challenge: we don’t need empty promises made by politicians whose only goal in life is to get elected or re-elected. We need leaders with attributes that qualify them to lead us through the difficult challenges we’re facing.

~ Lee Ellis

Over-communicating is the glue that holds a high-performing team together and keeps them focused in the same direction. And, it circles back to clarity. Without good, consistent communication, you don’t have clarity.

~ Lee Ellis

Good teams are committed to the team mission and to each other personally. Good leaders inspire and build this commitment and trust.

~ Lee Ellis

Persistence is important in every endeavor. Whether it’s finishing your homework, completing school, working late to finish a project, or “finishing the drill” in sports, winners persist to the point of sacrifice in order to achieve their goals.

~ Lee Ellis

Professional accountability is a good thing. Without it, excellence is merely a pipe dream and even average performance isn’t a realistic expectation.

~ Lee Ellis

We all want to ‘count for something’–to make a difference. And, accountability helps us get where want to go in terms of achieving our goals and fulfilling our responsibilities.

~ Lee Ellis

As is often the case with children, the rule of ‘monkey see, monkey do’ plays out in the workplace. It’s hard to be good role model, and it’s one of the greatest challenges of leadership.

~ Lee Ellis

…some leaders don’t want to celebrate with their team because they are afraid—yes, afraid that if they celebrate, people will quit working hard and lower the standards. I say don’t let your fear take you out.

~ Lee Ellis

Leaders must be good listeners. It’s rule number one, and it’s the most powerful thing they can do to build trusted relationships.

~ Lee Ellis

Move not unless you see an advantage,  use not your troops unless there is something to be gained, fight not unless the position is critical.

~ Sun Tzu

Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.

~ Sun Tzu

You're tough when you need to be, and you can charm the pants off men who have three times your experience. Well, yes. Although I try not to take advantage of that too often. Very awkward negotiating with people who are sitting around in their underwear.

~ Julie James

If you do not take opportunity   to   advance and reward   the   deserving,   your subordinates will not carry out your commands, and disaster will ensue.

~ Sun Tzu

the key to human development is building on who you already are

~ Tom Rath

Perhaps the ultimate test of a leader is not what you are able to do in the here and now - but instead what continues to grow long after you're gone

~ Tom Rath

What great leaders have in common is that each truly knows his or her strengths - and can call on the right strength at the right time.

~ Tom Rath

The lesson here is clear: If you want people to understand that you value their contributions and that they are important, the recognition and praise you provide must have meaning that is specific to each individual.

~ Tom Rath

To make a decision, all you need is authority. To make a good decision, you also need knowledge, experience, and insight.

~ Denise Moreland

followers have a very clear picture of what they want and need from the most influential leaders in their lives: trust, compassion, stability, and hope

~ Tom Rath

If you want things to change, you must change. If you want things to get better, you must get better.

~ Ted Atoka

If we can find short-term incentives that are consistent with our long-term objectives, it is much easier to make the right decisions in the moment.

~ Tom Rath

You must be grounded to take flight.

~ Lorii Myers

When we build on our strengths and daily successes — instead of focusing on failures — we simply learn more.

~ Tom Rath

Cliché: The MBA changed my life.What it really means: A fantastic career, a great social life and a healthy bank balance...three of the things I had before I started the program.

~ Sameer Kamat

My first bit of advice is to not personalize a job loss. The cause for the dismissal was a business calculation. This is difficult for many to grasp; it’s difficult to accept that events just occur. Come to see this as an experience. Obviously not the most pleasant experience, but it is one that you’ll overcome.

~ John-Talmage Mathis

I'm a Marketer, I don't believe in Brands , but I believe in Quality and quality has different definitions

~ ياسمين يوسف

Never Underestimate. Just as in any other negotiation, watching before acting is as important as listening before speaking. It's doubly important in China, however, where customs are time-honored and breaches of protocol not so quickly forgiven.

~ Irl M. Davis

mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy

~ Sun Tzu

Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear, then he will be amenable to your will.

~ Sun Tzu

If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.

~ Sun Tzu

Conform to the enemy's tactics until a favorable opportunity offers, then come forth and engage in a battle that shall prove decisive.

~ Sun Tzu

When your army has crossed the border, you should burn your boats and bridges, in order to make it clear to everybody that you have no hankering after home.

~ Sun Tzu

If there is disturbance in the camp, the general's authority is weak. 

~ Sun Tzu

the worst calamities that befall an army arise from hesitation

~ Sun Tzu

You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended.

~ Sun Tzu

When the outlook is bright, bring it before their eyes; but tell them nothing when the situation is gloomy.

~ Sun Tzu

Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.

~ Sun Tzu