---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Leading an organization is as much about…"
description: "\"Leading an organization is as much about soul as it is about systems. Effective leadership finds its source in understanding\" — Herb Kelleher"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/08c/herb-kelleher-8657_effective-leadership_leading-an-organization-is-as-much-about_3034220.jpg"
---

#  Leading an organization is as much about soul as it is…

![“Leading an organization is as much about soul as it is about systems. Effective leadership finds its source in understanding” quote by Herb Kelleher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/08c/herb-kelleher-8657_effective-leadership_leading-an-organization-is-as-much-about_3034220.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/08c/herb-kelleher-8657_effective-leadership_leading-an-organization-is-as-much-about_3034220.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/08c/herb-kelleher-8657_effective-leadership_leading-an-organization-is-as-much-about_3034220.jpg)

> “Leading an organization is as much about soul as it is about systems. Effective leadership finds its source in understanding”

[Herb Kelleher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herb-kelleher/)

## About This Quote

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

Leadership blends heart (values) with systems (processes) for effectiveness.

**In simple terms:** Leadership is soul plus systems.

Key Takeaway

Integrate values with processes.

Themes

leadership culture systems

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

business philosophical

When to use this quote

- team building
- process design
- company culture

Key Concepts

Organizational behavior values alignment

Questions to Reflect On

- How do values influence operational decisions?
- What systems best support a soulful culture?

A Different Perspective

Balancing soul and system is challenging.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Effective leadership](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/effective-leadership/) [Leader](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leader/) [Leadership](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leadership/) [Leadership Finds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leadership-finds-4970668/) [Leading](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leading/) [Organization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/organization/) [Organization Soul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/organization-soul-4970666/) [Soul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/soul/) [Source](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/source/) [Systems Effective](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/systems-effective-4970667/) [Understanding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/understanding/)

## Related quotes

> [Taste depends upon those finer emotions which make the organization of the soul.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joshua-reynolds/taste-depends-upon-those-finer-emotions-which-make-the-organization/)

[Joshua Reynolds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joshua-reynolds/)

> [The one thing I have learned as a CEO is that leadership at various levels is vastly different. When I was leading a function…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/indra-nooyi/the-one-thing-i-have-learned-as-a-ceo-is-that-leadership-at-various/)

[Indra Nooyi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/indra-nooyi/)

> [Back when I was looking for my next step and was researching Gannett, I was interested in who was leading the various businesses within…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gracia-martore/back-when-i-was-looking-for-my-next-step-and-was-researching-gannett/)

[Gracia Martore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gracia-martore/)

> [Build what you want to see in the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-dorsey/build-what-you-want-to-see-in-the-world/)

[Jack Dorsey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-dorsey/)

> [“the Great Man theory (that leaders are born not made, the concept closest to our idea of some people, such as Rick Rescorla, having…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/van-vugt-mark/the-great-man-theory-that-leaders-are-born-not-made-the-concept/)

[Van Vugt, Mark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/van-vugt-mark/)

> [“Human behavior is only unpredictable and dangerous if you don’t start from humanity in the first place.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stan-slap/human-behavior-is-only-unpredictable-and-dangerous-if-you-don-t-start/)

[Stan Slap](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stan-slap/)

> [Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/management-is-efficiency-in-climbing-the-ladder-of-success/)

[Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/)

> [“The economy is in ruins! Bottom line? Good management will defeat a bad economy.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stan-slap/the-economy-is-in-ruins-bottom-line-good-management-will-defeat-a-bad/)

[Stan Slap](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stan-slap/)

> [“When you don’t know what true for you, everyone else has unusual influence.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stan-slap/when-you-don-t-know-what-true-for-you-everyone-else-has-unusual/)

[Stan Slap](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stan-slap/)

> [“You can stuff yourself with emotional fulfillment until it’s dribbling down your chin &amp; your ego will quickly chomp it down and demand more.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stan-slap/you-can-stuff-yourself-with-emotional-fulfillment-until-it-s/)

[Stan Slap](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stan-slap/)

> [“Coaching is one of the most effective leadership styles that can transform, empower and unlock people's potential. Ask more, advice less, elevate your impact…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/farshad-asl/coaching-is-one-of-the-most-effective-leadership-styles-that-can/)

[Farshad Asl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/farshad-asl/)

> [“A manager’s emotional commitment is worth more than their financial, intellectual and physical commitment combined.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stan-slap/a-manager-s-emotional-commitment-is-worth-more-than-their-financial/)

[Stan Slap](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stan-slap/)

> [“Humbleness and enthusiasm are two great qualities for effective leadership. By aligning your 114 chakras, you can unleash your inner fire and inspire your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sri-amit-ray/humbleness-and-enthusiasm-are-two-great-qualities-for-effective/)

[Sri Amit Ray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sri-amit-ray/)

> [“There is no shortcut for hard work that leads to effectiveness. You must stay disciplined because most of the work is behind the scenes.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/germany-kent/there-is-no-shortcut-for-hard-work-that-leads-to-effectiveness-you/)

[Germany Kent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/germany-kent/)

> [“Monitor and adjust. That’s the key to effective leadership, indoors or out.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-bregman/monitor-and-adjust-that-s-the-key-to-effective-leadership-indoors-or/)

[Peter Bregman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-bregman/)

## More by Herb Kelleher

> [If the Wright brother were alive today Wilbur would have to fire Orville to reduce costs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/if-the-wright-brother-were-alive-today-wilbur-would-have-to-fire/)

[Herb Kelleher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herb-kelleher/)

> [You have to treat your employees like your customers. When you treat them right they will treat your outside customers right.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/you-have-to-treat-your-employees-like-your-customers-when-you-treat/)

[Herb Kelleher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herb-kelleher/)

> [Power should be reserved for weightlifting and boats, and leadership really involves responsibility.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/power-should-be-reserved-for-weightlifting-and-boats-and-leadership/)

[Herb Kelleher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herb-kelleher/)

> [As far as value is concerned, the principal reason that I moved to Texas from New Jersey many, many years ago was because I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/as-far-as-value-is-concerned-the-principal-reason-that-i-moved-to/)

[Herb Kelleher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herb-kelleher/)

> [Sometimes you need a little courage too just to buck popular opinion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/sometimes-you-need-a-little-courage-too-just-to-buck-popular-opinion/)

[Herb Kelleher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herb-kelleher/)

> [I want to see Texas remain an entrepreneurial powerhouse in the United States.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/i-want-to-see-texas-remain-an-entrepreneurial-powerhouse-in-the/)

[Herb Kelleher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herb-kelleher/)

> [You can't have a mid-life crisis in the airline industry because every day is a crisis.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/you-can-t-have-a-mid-life-crisis-in-the-airline-industry-because/)

[Herb Kelleher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herb-kelleher/)

> [Keep costs low and spirits high, and the people of Southwest Airlines will keep LUV in the air.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/keep-costs-low-and-spirits-high-and-the-people-of-southwest-airlines/)

[Herb Kelleher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herb-kelleher/)

> [A company is stronger if it is bound by love rather than by fear.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/a-company-is-stronger-if-it-is-bound-by-love-rather-than-by-fear/)

[Herb Kelleher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herb-kelleher/)

> [The people of Southwest have always been my pride, my joy and my love. Their indomitable dedication and esprit de corps have taken Southwest…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/the-people-of-southwest-have-always-been-my-pride-my-joy-and-my-love/)

[Herb Kelleher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herb-kelleher/)

> [A motivated employee treats the customer well. The customer is happy, so they keep coming back. It's not one of the enduring green mysteries…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/a-motivated-employee-treats-the-customer-well-the-customer-is-happy/)

[Herb Kelleher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herb-kelleher/)

> [Hire for attitude, train for skill.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/hire-for-attitude-train-for-skill/)

[Herb Kelleher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herb-kelleher/)

> [We have the best customer satisfaction record, based on Transportation Dept. statistics, of any airline in America, the fewest complaints filed per 100,000 passengers…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/we-have-the-best-customer-satisfaction-record-based-on-transportation/)

[Herb Kelleher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herb-kelleher/)

> [Think small and act small, and we'll get bigger. Think big and act big, and we'll get smaller.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/think-small-and-act-small-and-we-ll-get-bigger-think-big-and-act-big/)

[Herb Kelleher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herb-kelleher/)

> [I've found that many of the greatest ideas surface in bars because that's where many people cultivate inspiration.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/i-ve-found-that-many-of-the-greatest-ideas-surface-in-bars-because/)

[Herb Kelleher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herb-kelleher/)

[Explore all 79 Herb Kelleher quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herb-kelleher/)

## More Effective leadership quotes

> [“Monitor and adjust. That’s the key to effective leadership, indoors or out.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-bregman/monitor-and-adjust-that-s-the-key-to-effective-leadership-indoors-or/)

[Peter Bregman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-bregman/)

> [“There is no shortcut for hard work that leads to effectiveness. You must stay disciplined because most of the work is behind the scenes.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/germany-kent/there-is-no-shortcut-for-hard-work-that-leads-to-effectiveness-you/)

[Germany Kent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/germany-kent/)

> [“Humbleness and enthusiasm are two great qualities for effective leadership. By aligning your 114 chakras, you can unleash your inner fire and inspire your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sri-amit-ray/humbleness-and-enthusiasm-are-two-great-qualities-for-effective/)

[Sri Amit Ray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sri-amit-ray/)

> [“A manager’s emotional commitment is worth more than their financial, intellectual and physical commitment combined.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stan-slap/a-manager-s-emotional-commitment-is-worth-more-than-their-financial/)

[Stan Slap](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stan-slap/)

> [“Coaching is one of the most effective leadership styles that can transform, empower and unlock people's potential. Ask more, advice less, elevate your impact…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/farshad-asl/coaching-is-one-of-the-most-effective-leadership-styles-that-can/)

[Farshad Asl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/farshad-asl/)

> [“You can stuff yourself with emotional fulfillment until it’s dribbling down your chin &amp; your ego will quickly chomp it down and demand more.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stan-slap/you-can-stuff-yourself-with-emotional-fulfillment-until-it-s/)

[Stan Slap](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stan-slap/)

> [“When you don’t know what true for you, everyone else has unusual influence.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stan-slap/when-you-don-t-know-what-true-for-you-everyone-else-has-unusual/)

[Stan Slap](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stan-slap/)

> [“The economy is in ruins! Bottom line? Good management will defeat a bad economy.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stan-slap/the-economy-is-in-ruins-bottom-line-good-management-will-defeat-a-bad/)

[Stan Slap](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stan-slap/)

> [Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/management-is-efficiency-in-climbing-the-ladder-of-success/)

[Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/)

> [“Human behavior is only unpredictable and dangerous if you don’t start from humanity in the first place.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stan-slap/human-behavior-is-only-unpredictable-and-dangerous-if-you-don-t-start/)

[Stan Slap](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stan-slap/)

> [“the Great Man theory (that leaders are born not made, the concept closest to our idea of some people, such as Rick Rescorla, having…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/van-vugt-mark/the-great-man-theory-that-leaders-are-born-not-made-the-concept/)

[Van Vugt, Mark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/van-vugt-mark/)

> [Build what you want to see in the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-dorsey/build-what-you-want-to-see-in-the-world/)

[Jack Dorsey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-dorsey/)

> [“Success in an enterprise can be brought about, through effective leadership, which educes open communication, which in turn would contribute towards bringing down conflict…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henrietta-newton-martin-author-industrial-relations-today/success-in-an-enterprise-can-be-brought-about-through-effective/)

[Henrietta Newton Martin- Author Industrial Relations Today](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henrietta-newton-martin-author-industrial-relations-today/)

> [Be the compromise you want to see in the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mahatma-gandhi/be-the-compromise-you-want-to-see-in-the-world/)

[Mahatma Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mahatma-gandhi/)

> [The main characteristics of effective leadership are intelligence, integrity or loyalty, mystique, humor, discipline, courage, self sufficieny and confidence.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-fisher/the-main-characteristics-of-effective-leadership-are-intelligence/)

[James Fisher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-fisher/)

[Browse all 133 Effective leadership quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/effective-leadership/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "Leading an organization is as much about soul as it is about systems. Effective leadership finds its source in understanding",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Herb Kelleher"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/leading-an-organization-is-as-much-about-soul-as-it-is-about-systems/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Effective leadership"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/leading-an-organization-is-as-much-about-soul-as-it-is-about-systems/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/08c/herb-kelleher-8657_effective-leadership_leading-an-organization-is-as-much-about_3034220.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/08c/herb-kelleher-8657_effective-leadership_leading-an-organization-is-as-much-about_3034220.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/08c/herb-kelleher-8657_effective-leadership_leading-an-organization-is-as-much-about_3034220.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“Leading an organization is as much about soul as it is about systems. Effective leadership finds its source…” — Herb Kelleher",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Herb Kelleher",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herb-kelleher/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "Leading an organization is as much...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/leading-an-organization-is-as-much-about-soul-as-it-is-about-systems/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herb-kelleher/leading-an-organization-is-as-much-about-soul-as-it-is-about-systems/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
