Great leader quotes & what we think they mean

Why is it that we all recognise and perhaps remember with fondness those famous leaders who are associated with compassion and inspiration, but easily forget other so called ‘leaders’ where those behaviours and characteristics are absent?

At EmpathyWorks Leadership Consultancy we strongly believe that people are more compassionate and empathetic for many reasons that perhaps stem from personal experiences, social and cultural influences and even religious or spiritual teachings. We also feel that those people who are destined to become the leaders of our world enjoy learning about others, they are curious and acknowledge and appreciate diverse perspectives.

It is also widely believed that populations of the contemporary world are more alive to personal wellbeing and life satisfaction, and of course that we are more humanitarian and focussed on how we care for each other. Acts of compassion often lead to personal satisfaction and happiness, which in turn encourages more compassionate behaviour. Helping others can enhance one’s own sense of purpose and fulfilment.

Encouraging compassion and empathy involves a multifaceted approach, combining personal growth, education, cultural reinforcement, and supportive environments. These factors collectively contribute to a more empathetic and compassionate society.

We also wanted to share some famous quotes from those famous leaders we will always seem to remember, and as importantly what we think they actually mean.

Dalai Lama

• Quote: “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
• What we think this means: The Dalai Lama emphasises that compassion is a key element to personal happiness and the happiness of others, advocating for its practice in everyday life.

Mahatma Gandhi

• Quote: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
• What we think this means: Gandhi believed that true fulfilment comes from serving others selflessly, highlighting the importance of compassion in leadership and personal growth.

Nelson Mandela

• Quote: “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”
• What we think this means: Mandela stresses the importance of balancing intelligence and compassion, suggesting that effective leadership requires both qualities.

Mother Teresa

• Quote: “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
• What we think this means: Mother Teresa’s approach was to lead with love and compassion, making a positive impact on everyone she encountered.

Jacinda Ardern

• Quote: “One of the criticisms I’ve faced over the years is that I’m not aggressive enough or assertive enough, or maybe somehow, because I’m empathetic, it means I’m weak. I totally rebel against that. I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong.”
• What we think this means: Ardern challenges the notion that empathy and compassion are signs of weakness, arguing that they can coexist with strength and assertiveness in leadership.

Martin Luther King Jr.

• Quote: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
• What we think this means: King advocates for a life of service and compassion towards others, positioning it as a fundamental question for living a meaningful life.

Pope Francis

• Quote: “A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.”
• What we think this means: Pope Francis promotes the What we think this means that acts of mercy and compassion can significantly contribute to a more just and humane world.

These leaders exemplify how compassion can be a guiding principle in various forms of leadership, inspiring others through empathy, kindness, and selfless service. Individuals, whether established or emerging leaders who consistently convey these behaviours can and will positively impress on others and their organisations. The effect of compassionate and inspirational leadership can only be seen and exposed with its genuine, authentic and honest use, we can certainly support you to achieve this, and take you to the level and type of leadership that the world now demands.

info@leadershipconsultant.co.uk