Leadership Isn’t About Credit — It’s About Character🏛️

I’ve enjoyed using quotes from five American presidents this week — words of wisdom from leaders who understood the weight of responsibility and the privilege of service. Today’s quote, paired with Truman’s famous reminder that “the buck stops here,” tells us nearly everything we need to know about managing people.

·       Taking personal responsibility when things go wrong is the kind of integrity that fuels teamwork and trust.

·       Giving credit freely and generously allows others to grow in the glow of success.

From the earliest days of the American republic, strong and unselfish leaders have endured hardship, made difficult choices, and stood for what was right — not for personal gain, but for the greater good. Their words and deeds remind us what principled leadership looks like, and what it does not.

Strong, effective leadership never goes out of style. In public service or in business, it’s what makes people proud to belong. Pride fuels engagement, and engagement fuels excellence. I’ve worked in an organization where employees at every level were proud to say where they worked — and the energy that created was motivating, inspiring, and transformative. That’s when great things happen.

If your hands are on the wheel of the bus, make it your purpose to develop leaders by title and role models by choice — people who are proud of what they do and inspire others to feel the same. Make that your responsibility and give others the credit for making it happen today.

Harry S. Truman (1884 – 1972): American politician who was the 33rd president of the United States; he implemented the Marshall Plan in the aftermath of World War II and established both the Truman Doctrine and NATO to contain the expansion of Soviet communism.