Authority Quote by Robert K. Greenleaf
“Moral authority is another way to define servant leadership because it represents a reciprocal choice between leader and follower. If the leader is principle centered, he or she will develop moral authority. If the follower is principle centered, he or she will follow the leader. In this sense, both leaders and followers are followers. Why? They follow truth. They follow natural law. They follow principles. They follow a common, agreed-upon vision. They share values. They grow to trust one another.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Servant Leadership, Robert K. Greenleaf, 1977
Moral authority arises when leaders and followers share principles, fostering mutual trust and shared vision
In simple terms: Leaders gain moral authority by being principle‑centered, and followers do the same
Key Takeaway
Cultivate principle‑centered leadership
Themes
leadership
ethics
trust
collaboration
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
leadership
ethical
When to use this quote
- team building
- organizational culture
- community projects
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
Moral authority
servant leadership
reciprocity
Questions to Reflect On
- What principles guide your leadership decisions?
- How do you balance moral authority with practical outcomes?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on principle may overlook pragmatic constraints
![“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)