Leading a small business is a stressful and often thankless job that requires a lot of motivation for success. Now, as we remember the 43 Americans who have taken on the most draining leadership job available in our country, the Presidency. Many of them have something to say about leadership that’s useful whether you run a sovereign state or a small shop. Below are five motivational quotes for work and leadership. Enjoy, and get motivated!
“A little flattery will support a man through great fatigue.” – President James Monroe
President #5 understood the importance of positive reinforcement. Encouraging employees to take pride in good performance makes them more motivated, and thus more productive. The last three words emphasize celebrating individual victories even when times are tough, a great way to keep morale high during these rough patches.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – President John Quincy Adams
Monroe’s successor tells us how much of a difference leading by example can make. Ambition is contagious, and the only way to have a highly motivated workforce that respects you is to be highly motivated yourself.
“It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t.” – President Martin Van Buren
This aphorism about making excuses carries weight coming from a man who learned English as a second language before becoming President. Every business owner prefers employees who come to them with solutions rather than roadblocks; creating a culture of doing instead of talking is a smart move as a leader.
“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.” – President Abraham Lincoln
Without drive to make it happen, a business is just a good idea. Old Abe reminds us of how important a spirit of determination is to success in leadership. He should know— Lincoln maintained his resolve through the breakout of civil war, the Confederate invasion of the Union, and several assassination attempts before his tragic night at the theatre. Makes your business’s problems seem a little less concerning, doesn’t it?
“The only man who makes no mistake is the man who does nothing.” – President Theodore Roosevelt
Entrepreneurs are familiar with this idea because risk-taking comes with the job. Our canal-building, big-game-hunting, San-Juan-Hill-storming President reminds us that not every risk will pay off, and that’s OK. If you have never made a bad professional decision before, you almost definitely don’t own a business.
Your office is probably dealing with fewer crises than the Oval Office, but no leadership position is easy. As we celebrate our Commanders-in-Chief, take heed of their wisdom and how it can help your business. America was a small and high-risk venture too, once.
