“An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.” Mahatma Gandhi
What a wonderful reminder of the senselessness of retribution. We see this on an increasing scale in governments around the world as warring factions, intent on getting even, just create more polarity. But, let’s… read more
“It’s hard to feed someone else when you’re hungry.” Anonymous
I first heard this quote when I was working with a leader in the Netherlands and we were talking about creating an environment that would nurture a motivated, cohesive team and take them to the next level of accomplishment.… read more
"You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist." Indira Gandhi
What wonderful visual imagery there is in this common-sense quote, but let’s take it a little further and see if we can make use of its wisdom in another context. If we were to equate the clenched fist with an attitude, it… read more
“Democracy is not about what can be done for us, but by us.” Annon
What a wonderful insight this little gem of a quote offers. In order for a democracy to succeed, it is the responsibility of everyone to support it and contribute to it. When I read this, and think about it, I can’t help… read more
"It is a far, far better thing to have a firm anchor in nonsense than to put out on the troubled sea of thought." John Kenneth Galbraith
A giant of 20th century economic theory and an advisor to U.S presidents, Galbraith was also known for his acerbic and insightful wit, of which… read more
“There are some who only employ words for the purpose of disguising their thoughts.” Voltaire
This wonderful quote from the 18th century tells us of a 21st century issue that many leaders are still dealing with: The inability to build trust. The Czechs have a saying, “He preaches water… read more
"The absence of alternatives clears the mind marvelously." Henry Kissinger
There are a number of ways one could interpret this quote, but here is what it says to me in the context of business. First of all, in problem solving, it is very important to identify and discuss all possible,… read more
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." Voltaire
As is so often the case when I review my collection of quotes, many seem so prescient as they relate to circumstances hundreds of years in the future. This quote is a stunning example. As a writer of the 18th… read more
"Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work." -- Chuck Close
Some might note a bit of cynicism in this quote, but I see a deeper meaning to it. Inspiration is wonderful, not doubt about it. And, without it, many wonderful things would not even get thought of… read more
"A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he gets to know something." Wilson Mizner
There is much more to this quote than the obvious and it’s well worthwhile to take note of. Two things are absolutely critical for leaders today: gathering data and influencing… read more
I knew what I needed to improve in order to become a better manager and better person, but implementing these behavioral changes was difficult on my own. Pepper’s common sense approach to coaching got me on the right track and, in his words, ‘Moving forward with steady, sustainable progress'.
