The Problem with Leadership by Quotes

Let me start by declaring my own sins in what I am about to talk about – the use of leadership quotes. As a consultant, working in the leadership field for more than 20 years I have been tempted by and succumbed to the use of quotes in presentations and blogs. There it is… I confess!

But the growth of social media and digital marketing has taken the use of leadership quotes to a new and maybe disturbing level. I often feel like some in the field (you know who you are) have reduced leadership to an ongoing series of quotes or what I call ‘leadership by quotes’.

Now some may say that leadership by quotes does no harm and may even serve to inspire excellence in leadership. But does it? 

Firstly, the subtle theme that is reinforced by the accumulation of these quotes (even when they appear to state the opposite) is not unlike the ‘great man’ theories of leadership that dominated the literature in the early 1900s; the idea that certain individuals can rise above all others to achieve greatness in the ideological pursuit of leadership. While appealing, the reality is that leadership is a human endeavour, inevitably filled with challenges, triumphs and failures and behind every leadership role is a person trying to do their best in an environment of changing expectations and uncertainty. These quotes create expectations that can feel beyond the reach of well-intentioned individuals.

The second concern I have with these quotes is that they reduce leadership to a one size fits all approach underpinned by ideology rather than practice. While there will always be a set of evergreen skills and attributes, a single definition of leadership and leadership qualities in today’s business context may not be relevant— in fact research and experience shows that it is unlikely that any individual will bring the mix of skills, experiences and attributes that will ensure success in all conditions. In leadership, context matters.

In a similar vain to leadership by quotes, 10 minute videos, with a ‘leadership guru’ waiving their hands, sharing compelling stories (including lots of close ups) and suggesting leadership can be reduced to one simple concept is just as concerning. While I am all for simplifying leadership, these videos again ignore the human element and context of leadership. They are essentially marketing videos (which is fine) that masquerade as educational breakthroughs.

So, will I continue to use quotes in my presentations and blogs? Sure, but I will be far more conscious of when and how I use these quotes for ‘good’.  And all I ask is that you pause and think about this the next time you consider sharing one of the many leadership posts or videos that circulate LinkedIn and other social media.

by Mark Busine