Different Quote by Kevin McCarthy
“There are two different types of leader. A person can either be like a thermometer or a thermostat. A thermometer will tell you what the temperature is. A thermostat will not only tell you what the temperature is, but it'll move you to the temperature you need to get to.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Leadership Talk, Kevin McCarthy, 2020
Leaders can merely report conditions like a thermometer or actively shape outcomes like a thermostat, guiding others toward desired goals.
In simple terms: Leaders either describe reality or create change.
Key Takeaway
Aim to be a change‑maker, not just an observer.
Themes
leadership
influence
change management
vision
agency
Mood
inspirational
pragmatic
Type
advice
motivational
When to use this quote
- team management
- policy implementation
- corporate strategy
- community organizing
Key Concepts
systems thinking
motivational leadership
organizational behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you shift from reporting to shaping outcomes?
- What obstacles might you face when trying to change the “temperature”?
A Different Perspective
Thermostat approach may overlook constraints or resistance.
