From Napoleon to Jack Welch, 10 quotes from the world's greatest leaders Through books, videos and archival footage their knowledge and experiences have been passed down through the ages so that we can learn from them in being better leaders ourselves, especially in times of crisis. We've listed just 10 quotes that help in showing us the path in life, merely a fraction of the wisdom which is out there for us to learn from.

By Kabir Singh Bhandari

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Wikimedia Commons
Napoléon Bonaparte

If one were to start jotting down the various characteristics that leaders are supposed to have, it could turn into quite a long list. However, there are certain basic qualities that every leader must have, such as integrity, communication skills, delegation, empathy and the ability to lead by example. History is full of thousands of examples of leaders who are remembered and continue to inspire even today. Of course, as our understanding of these individuals increases, we also realize that they had their own failings. Julius Caesar, Winston Churchill, Barack Obama- through generations different personalities have emerged and proved themselves according to the age and situations they find themselves in.

Through books, videos and archival footage their knowledge and experiences have been passed down through the ages so that we can learn from them in being better leaders ourselves, especially in times of crisis.

We've listed just 10 quotes that help in showing us the path in life, merely a fraction of the wisdom which is out there for us to learn from. Here are some quotes by the greatest leaders the world has ever seen.

The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant. —Max DePree

Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. —Warren Bennis

Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way. — General George Patton

Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others. —Jack Welch

A leader is a dealer in hope. —Napoleon Bonaparte

My own definition of leadership is this: The capacity and the will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence. —General Montgomery

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

Become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily; even if you had no title or position. —Brian Tracy

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

Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better. —Harry S. Truman

Kabir Singh Bhandari

Former Senior Assistant Editor

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

You Can Get Paid $18,000 More a Year By Adding AI Skills to Your Resume, According to a New Study

Employers are emphasizing AI skills — and are willing to pay a lot more if you have them.

News and Trends

How Lab-Grown Diamonds are Reshaping Jewellery Market

As sustainability takes the centre stage shaping the luxury market, lab grown diamonds (LGDs) are leading the way and not merely following the latest trends, says Ishendra Agarwal, Founder, Giva

Leadership

The Difference Between Entrepreneurs Who Survive Crises and Those Who Don't

In a business world accelerated by AI, visibility alone is fragile. Here's how strategic silence and consistency can turn reputation into your most powerful asset.

Employee Experience & Recruiting

Here's the Real Reason Your Employees Are Checked Out — And the Missing Link That Could Fix It

Most disengaged employees aren't exhausted — they're disconnected, and storytelling may be the key to rebuilding that connection.

Business News

United Airlines Says It Is Adding Extra Flights in Case Spirit 'Suddenly Goes Out of Business'

Rival airlines, including United and Frontier, are adding new routes as Spirit cuts 12 cities from its schedule.