8 Quotes by Michael D. Watkins

Decision making becomes more political - less about authority and more about influence. That isn't good or bad; it's simply inevitable.

It is a sure sign of success when people begin to echo your themes without knowing they're doing so.

Begin with no; it's easier to say yes later. It's difficult (and damaging to your reputation) to say yes and then change your mind.

To be successful, you need to mobilize the energy of many others in your organization. If you do the right things, then your vision, your expertise, and your drive can propel you forward and serve as seed crystals.

Leadership ultimately is about influence and leverage. You are, after all, only one person. To be successful, you need to mobilize the energy of many others in your organization.

Match Strategy to Situation.

Mission is about what will be achieved, vision is about why people should feel motivated to perform at a high level, and strategy is about how resources should be allocated and decisions made to accomplish the mission.

Once people perceive that change is going to happen, the game often shifts from outright opposition to a competition to influence what sort of change will occur.