Every August, there’s something energizing about a fresh start. Whether you’re shopping for school supplies, watching children head off to a new grade, or simply noticing the renewed sense of momentum that comes with the beginning of the school year, this season reminds us that growth begins with a willingness to learn.

That lesson doesn’t end with graduation.

The most successful business professionals I know never stop being students. They seek out new ideas, invest in developing their leadership skills, and remain curious enough to learn from both their successes and their setbacks. Lifelong learning isn’t just a personal virtue—it’s a competitive advantage.

That’s one of the reasons I often share insights from respected business leaders in my blog. None of us has all the answers, and one of the fastest ways to grow is to learn from people who have consistently demonstrated excellence. As leadership expert John C. Maxwell wisely said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

With that in mind, class is back in session. Here are five leadership quotes that have stood the test of time—and, more importantly, practical ways you can put each one into action in your business and your career.

“Leadership is action, not position.” –Donald H. McGannon

Many people mistakenly believe leadership is about power. But true leadership isn’t about directing or coercing people to do what you want them to do. Being a strong leader means inspiring others to join you in pursuit of a shared objective, ideal, mission, or cause.

When I look back over my nearly five decades of business experience, my greatest moments as a leader did not include dictating to others what to do. My greatest moments as a leader happened when the sum of the group was greater than its parts. We listened to each other, we collaborated, we had camaraderie working as a team, we propelled each other to achieve, and the outcomes were better as a result.

Action step: When you’re serving as a leader, focus on building unity, not power.

“Leadership is about helping ordinary people get extraordinary results.” –Terina Allen

By motivating and empowering people on your team to do their best, you generate value. Being a leader means coaching people to achieve success when it comes to problem solving, evaluating, and improving their processes. At the same time, it requires having a clear vision of where you want things to go and how to get there.

Action step: Provide constructive feedback that reminds your team of the role they play in the “big picture” that they can use to improve their performance.

“If you fail at character, you fail at leadership.” –General Robert Caslen (ret.)

There are times as a leader when your moral center will be tested. But great leaders know exactly who they are and which values they stand for. They are committed to abiding by these values regardless of the circumstances or challenges they face. They communicate their values openly with the people they lead. And they set an example for others to follow.

Action step: Never lose sight of your character in the face of adversity.

“The art of communication is the language of leadership.” –James Humes

Leadership requires a myriad of communication skills – the ability to distill complicated concepts into simple ideas, the ability to express compassion and empathy for team members, the ability to collaborate and welcome creative problem solving, and the ability to express gratitude.

Rather than take their team for granted, effective leaders show appreciation for their team members’ efforts – especially when they make meaningful contributions or go above and beyond the call of duty. When a leader makes a conscientious effort to recognize and reward their team, each team player feels motivated to put forth their best effort and strive for excellence.

Action step: Recognize and appreciate the contributions of your team members, welcome their feedback, and keep the lines of communication open, constructive, and positive.

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” –Dolly Parton

Leaders believe in their people, products, and organization, but beyond that, great leaders also motivate people to create positive change in the community or the world. Leadership means using our influence to shape the world around us, and by doing so, empowering everyone.

Action step: Ask yourself, is the company or organization, its people, and the world better off because of my leadership and the value I’ve created?

Leadership is one of the many issues I tackle with my Celeste Giordano Coaching clients. Together, we ensure that they not only run their businesses more efficiently, but also have more satisfied team members as well.

You can still close 2026 as a strong and PROFITABLE year. Don’t wait until 2027 to learn how to take your business to the next level. Contact me today!

Celeste Giordano’s mission is to help business professionals develop the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to “DoublePlus™” their income and become effective and inspirational leaders in their fields. Whether it’s taking your successful business to the next level or starting a new venture, she will teach you the exact skills and strategies you need to enroll more quality prospects, build a rock-solid team, and break through obstacles to achieve real profit and lasting success. Celeste is a professional business growth specialist, a master sales strategist, and dynamic speaker with more than 40 years experience in direct sales and managing high-performing teams. To learn more about Celeste, click here. Want to use this article? Please feel free to use this content as long as you keep it in its original format and include a link to the original post and Celeste Giordano’s brief bio.