Authority Quote by James Stockdale
“Great leaders gain authority by giving it away.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Leadership Insights, 2005
True leadership comes from empowering others, not hoarding power.
In simple terms: Leaders gain authority by sharing it.
Key Takeaway
Share authority to build stronger teams.
Themes
leadership
empowerment
service
humility
influence
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
leadership
philosophical
When to use this quote
- management training
- team building
- nonprofit work
Key Concepts
Power dynamics
organizational behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you delegate effectively?
- When is it appropriate to retain control?
A Different Perspective
Some contexts may require decisive authority.
![“He [Mikhail Gorbachev] has, as many great leaders have, impressive eyes…There's a kind of laser-beam stare, a forced quality, you get from Gorbachev that does not come across as something peaceful within himself. It's the look of a kind of human volcano, or he'd probably like to describe it as a…” quote by Dan Rather](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ed6/dan-rather-2779_beam_he-mikhail-gorbachev-has-as-many-great-l_117079.jpg)
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)