Although President’s Day is now past, and we are in March (hard to believe), I wanted to share this list of inspiring quotes from some of America’s past presidents.  While the history of U.S. leaders dates back 250 years, most of their quotes still apply today in regard to being an effective leader.

Here is the list as published on Inc.com:

1. “When angry, count ten before you speak; if very angry, a hundred.” - Thomas Jefferson


2. “Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.” - Andrew Jackson


3. “It’s easier to do a job right, than to explain why you didn’t.” - Martin Van Buren


4. “Well may the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurring responsibilities on which may depend our country’s peace and prosperity, and in some degree the hopes and happiness of the whole human family.” - James K. Polk


5. “It would be judicious to act with magnanimity towards a prostrate foe.” - Zachary Taylor


6. “An honorable defeat is better than a dishonorable victory.” - Millard Fillmore


7. “The test of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there.” - James Buchanan


8. “There are men and women who make the world better just by being the kind of people they are. They have the gift of kindness or courage or loyalty or integrity. It really matters very little whether they are behind the wheel of a truck or running a business or bringing up a family. They teach the truth by living it.” - James Garfield


9. “People ask the difference between a leader and a boss. The leader works in the open, and the boss in covert. The leader leads, and the boss drives.” - Theodore Roosevelt


10. “I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow.” - Woodrow Wilson


11. “It is common sense to take a method and try it: If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.” - Franklin Roosevelt


12. “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” - Harry S Truman


13. “You do not lead by hitting people over the head. Any damn fool can do that, but it's usually called ‘assault’ - not ‘leadership.’” - Dwight D. Eisenhower


14. “In a crisis, be aware of the danger-but recognize the opportunity.” - John F. Kennedy


15. “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” - Ronald Reagan


I love all of these, but I think number 15 might be my favorite.  A great leader inspires others and brings out the best in those around them.  But they are all great.  Number 10 reminds me of another favorite quote of mine, “If you are the smartest person in the room, find another room.”  We can always learn from others.  Do you have a favorite quote?  If so, please share it with me at [email protected].