Words to Lead By By: Jeanette (Nettie) M. Meluch(jmeluch@richmond.edu)

Looking for leadership?
Look in the mirror.

A leader is…a dealer in hope.
Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.
Where there is no vision…the people perish.
Study the past, live the moment and plan the future.

Leadership is action…not position.
There are no shortcuts…to any places worth going.
Don’t wait for your ship to come in…swim out to meet it.
Most things are difficult…before they are easy.
Act like you are invincible; know that you’re not.
Fail to honor people…and they will fail to honor you.
Blame softly.
Praise loudly.

The more you say…the less they remember.
Be grateful for luck…but don’t count on it.
It’s not what happens when you are there…it’s what happens when you’re not.

Think with your heart.
Authority is a poor substitute for leadership.
Hold everyone (yourself) to a high standard.
Listen and Lead.
Remember there is always room at the top.
But even more room at the bottom.
So seek out the people better than you (different, braver).
The time is always right to do what’s right.
Keep your promises (confidence, temper).
Why not go out on a limb? Isn’t that where the fruit is?
Be out and about.

Enjoy the process but crave the goal.
We will either find a way or make one.
Be not afraid of greatness.
Real leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determination.

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Editor: Brian Gedeon (BHGedeon@duanemorris.com) (This publication is the property of the Atlanta Association of Legal Administrators. Reproduction or reprint without prior permission is strictly prohibited. Click here to request reprint permission.)

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