Skip to content

Presidents, leaders, to be effective have to represent the…

“Presidents, leaders, to be effective have to represent the whole to the parts and to the world outside. They may live in the centre but they must not be the centre. To reinforce the common sense they must be a constant teacher, ever travelling, ever talking, ever listening, the chief missionary of…” quote by Charles Handy
Download Open image
“Presidents, leaders, to be effective have to represent the whole to the parts and to the world outside. They may live in the centre but they must not be the centre. To reinforce the common sense they must be a constant teacher, ever travelling, ever talking, ever listening, the chief missionary of the common cause.”

Charles Handy

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Effective leaders must embody the whole, not dominate it, serving as teachers who listen and communicate outwardly.

In simple terms: Leaders should represent the whole, not be the centre.

Key Takeaway

Be a teacher, not a centerpiece.

Themes

leadership humility communication

Mood

inspirational serious

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political office
  • corporate management
  • community organizing
  • nonprofit leadership

Key Concepts

systems thinking servant leadership

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can a leader stay a teacher while being visible?
  • What practices keep a leader from becoming the centre?
A Different Perspective

Leaders may struggle to balance visibility with humility.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Charles Handy

Explore all 46 Charles Handy quotes

More Causes quotes

Browse all 9,070 Causes quotes