I know that one of the great arts that the writer develops is the art of saying, ‘No. On knowing when her work is done: “I know when it’s the best I can do.You develop courage by doing courageous things, small things, but things that cost you some exertion - mental and, I suppose, spiritual exertion.” If that was one’s aim, the person would be advised to pick up a five-pound bag, and then a 10-pound, and then a 20-pound, and so forth, until one builds up enough muscle to actually pick up 100 pounds.Īnd that’s the same way with courage. And you develop it by doing small, courageous things, in the same way that one wouldn’t set out to pick up a 100-pound bag of rice. On courage: “One isn’t born with courage.On telling the truth: “You don’t have to tell everything you know, but let what you do say be the truth as you understand it.”.It is terrible to want to work, but not find work that wants you.” On dealing with other people: I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. He nor she can be much of a leader if all she sees is herself. On the joy of work: “It is wonderful to celebrate people who work. On leadership: A leader sees greatness in other people.

On decisionmaking: “I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”.

On dealing with other people: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”.

He nor she can be much of a leader if all she sees is herself.”

On leadership: “A leader sees greatness in other people.

Below are a few of her memorable statements. She had survived the harshest of childhoods to become a beloved cultural pioneer.Īngelou understood what it takes to have the courage to lead and could articulate the virtues of courage, steadfastness and truth.

The world lost an inspirational leader with the passing of author, actress, teacher and civil rights activist Maya Angelou.Īngelou died May 28 at age 86 in North Carolina. The following is adapted from an article by Jena McGregor published May 28 in the Washington Post.

Maya angelou leadership quotes