"As leaders we do not create growth. The best we can do is create an environment that is conducive to growth. It is like planting a garden. You do not cause the seeds to grow. To grow is their natural purpose in life."
"Authority cannot be bought or sold, given or taken away."
Source: James C. Hunter (2008). “The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership”, p.63, Crown Business
About the author
James Hunter
Author
James Hunter is a leadership expert and author known for his book 'The Servant', which explores the principles of servant leadership and character development.
All quotes by James Hunter →Same author
More quotes by James Hunter
"Leadership: The skill of influencing people to work enthusiastically toward goals identified as being for the common good."
"Leadership is not about personality, possessions, or charisma, but all about who you are as a person. I used to believe that leadership was about style but now I know that leadership is about substance, namely character."
"...leaders who do not hold their people accountable to a set standard are, in effect, thieves and liars. Thieves because they are stealing from the stockholder who pays them to hold people accountable, and liars because they pretend that everything is OK with their people when in fact everything is not OK."
"Authority: The skill of getting people to willingly do your will, because of your personal influence."
"Serving others breaks you free from the shackles of self and self-absorption that choke out the joy of living."