Leader Gifts

"No one could believe their eyes. Yet there he stood. In just three hours, fifty-one minutes and nine seconds, office supervisor Frank Fernlaw had proven that he very well COULD manage his way out of a wet paper bag, thank you very much."

'I'm trying to decide if it's more likely I know nothing about leading or everyone I work with knows nothing about following.'

'I used to lead by example, but it was too much work.'

' I used to lead by example but it was too much work.'

Ineffective conducting.

"The company lacks leadership, we need to think about the possibility of setting up a policy group to look at the option of a sub-committee to prepare a discussion paper on the problem."

'We're sorry, Henderson - But you never evolved into the leader the board had hoped for.'

'I wanted to get your opinions before I go ahead and do what I want to do.'

'I believe there are no bad leaders, only bad followers.'

'They're all involved in the decision-making process.'

'Would you mind if I made a few calls while I carefully listen to your ideas?'

'I start my day by making a list of everything I need to do . . . and who I can get to do it for me.'

'Same here, we have a female C.E.O., too.'

'I encourage diversity of opinion, but not with me,'

'One day they'll realize I have no idea where I'm going.'

'You have to delegate SOME authority.'

'No, we will not be starting with a safety brief today.'

"The purpose of this meeting is finding someone who will take the blame for my bad decisions."

"Encouraging dissent is a good way of finding out who the traitors are."

'We thought he was providing calm, thoughtful guidance through the financial crisis. Turns out he was just taking a nap.'

'Look, we just need to make a few simple decisions. For once, can we do it without an endless squabble over whether we should take the high road or fly under the radar?'

'I'm uncertain on this, but I could be wrong.'

'I agree... He's had a brilliant career trajectory. But a lot of people sure got hurt along the way.'

"I don't like getting bogged down in details. I'm more of a big-picture guy."

'I'm a natural leader. I was the first one over the cliff.'

'I am more than willing to acknowledge my mistakes if someone is stupid enough to point them out to me.'

'Do you think we should tell him that it takes more than a Churchillian cigar to make him inspirational'

'I lead by example as long as I'm not held legally liable.'

'You have to delegate SOME authority.'

Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely.

"Someone is always better."

"You can be leader when we get to the bottom."

"They p-p-put m-me in ch-ch-charge."

'A good leader can lead them to water, but a great leader can also make them drink.'

'Great news, Haverford... I've decided to let you into my select orbit of trusted friends and advisers!'