Quality leadership makes a lasting impact and is never forgotten. I have experienced a few great leaders in my lifetime, but I can’t say that I’ve ever been one. I have taken on very few leadership roles in my life, a couple being in high school. But now, in my senior year of college I’ve found myself in an important position where I can make a difference. Leadership is not something that comes naturally to me, and it never has. It’s much easier to stand in the background than to speak up. That’s why I have to take a lot of advice and inspiration from others who are great leaders. Here are some quotes that inspire me to be a great leader, and I hope others can learn from them too.

1. The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born- that there is a genetic factor to leadership. That’s nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born. –Warren Bennis

2. Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm –Publilius Syrus

3. I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers. –Ralph Nader

4. Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results not attributes. –Peter Drucker

5. A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position. –John Maxwell

6. The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly. –Jim Rohn

7. No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it. –Andrew Carnegie

8. Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway. –Eleanor Roosevelt

9. In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. –Thomas Jefferson

10. It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership. –Nelson Mandela

Quotes retrieved from www.forbes.com