Taking Risks

Leaders take calculated risks.

Leaders are not foolhardy, wild-eyed maniacs who throw away the rule book.

On the contrary:  leaders continually evaluate the elements of a risky project in comparison to the potential for gain from taking those risks.

They speak out in the heat of controversy.  They take a stand when right, but not necessarily popular.  They dare to try new ideas, sure in their own minds that their ideas will work.

They do not risk the safety of their subordinates or someone else's career-- only their own.

If nothing is ever ventured, then nothing is ever gained.


It is impossible to win the great prizes of life without running risks.
Theodore Roosevelt

The Social Leader on Orrin Woodward

Strive to be the Best

Leaders strive to be the best in everything they do.

Leaders also instill this attribute into their subordinates.

Leaders seek to be the best-- for their own satisfaction in knowing they can be.

Get a good idea and stay with it.  Dog it, and work at it until it's done and done right.
Walt Disney

The Best Leadership Nuggets

Take Responsibility

True leaders are in charge, and they are responsible for every facet of the project or task at hand.

When it is successful, they are the ones responsible.  When it is unsuccessful, they are also responsible.

Taking responsibility relieves others, and shows them who the true leader really is.  Anyone can choose to be a leader and accept responsibility.

A chief is a man who assumes responsibility.  He says, "I was beaten."  He does not say, "My men were beaten."  Thus speaks a real man.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Adversity or Opportunity

We've all heard "When handed a lemon, make lemonade."

The leader follows this advice and looks for any opportunity to combat, and thrive against, adversity.

Every cloud has a silver lining.  True leaders look for that silver lining at every opportunity of adversity.

Since the house is on fire, let us warm ourselves.
Italian Proverb

The Social Leader on Orrin Woodward