Values Quotes – Theodore Roosevelt on Restraint
Todays quote is from Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States.
A well-known and insightful quote from Roosevelt is:
“The best executive is the one who has the sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”
Prudent advice from one of the most admired presidents ever.
As a differentiating value, Restraint means keep under control; keep in check; or avoidance of extravagance or extremes.
Some view this value as controlling others. The tougher challenge is in controlling oneself. This is the more common view. Yet, exercising restraint is not so common.
Maybe that’s why Roosevelt made the statement. He was trying to apply it to himself.
Some argue that Roosevelt demonstrated little self–restraint. Wherever he turned his attention he was like a dog on a bone. Or as his children referred to him as “a lion.”
As president, Roosevelt did not see his job as a mere manager of the nation. He sought to lead and make positive change.
He was an activist.
But even an effective activist can benefit from showing some self-restraint. When others can relate to your cause, your mission, your passion, AND not feel as if you are trying to control them, then they will permit you to lead them.
That’s when you can make a significant difference. You’ve set the vision. Now a little restraint will help prevent you from meddling in the good work they will do for you.
Today’s value was selected from the “Harmony-Order” category, based on the e-book Developing Your Differentiating Values.
