Great Authority

“Over the course of my IBM career I've observed many CEOs, heads of state, and others in positions of great authority. I've noticed that some of the most effective leaders don't make themselves the center of attention. They are respectful. They listen. This is an appealing personal quality, but it's also an effective leadership attribute. Their selflessness makes the people around them comfortable. People open up, speak up, contribute. They give those leaders their very best.”

(Sam Palmisano, CEO of IBM, in “The Best Advice I Ever Got.” by Jon Birger, Clay Chandler, Jon Fortt, Barney Gimbel, et al. Fortune: May 12, 2008. Vol. 157, Iss. 10; pg. 70)