Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
A statesman listens to questions instead of just speaking.
In plain terms
A good leader listens to questions rather than just talking.
What can you take from it?
True leadership involves listening not just talking.

Where it applies

  • political interviews
  • public forums
  • management

Putting it to work

  • ask more questions
  • listen to constituents
  • avoid grandstanding

Questions to consider

  • What makes a question open?
  • How do leaders show they are listening?

Another view

It reduces statesmanship to one behavioral trait.

More from Adlai Stevenson

  1. After four years at the United Nations I sometimes yearn for the peace and tranquillity of a political convention.

    Permalink to quote #71
  2. Nixon is the kind of politician who would cut down a redwood tree, then mount the stump for a speech on conservation.

    Permalink to quote #73
  3. For my part I believe in the forgiveness of sin and the redemption of ignorance.

    Permalink to quote #70

Related quotes

  1. 'You will never be mayor, because you say dumb and stupid things!'

    Mel LastmanMel Lastman quote #5
  2. The best thing Clinton could do - I think I wrote him a letter about this, but I'm not sure - is to shut up.... He has no discipline.

    Barry GoldwaterBarry Goldwater quote #9
  3. In a political struggle, never get personal - else the dagger digs too deep.

    Jack ValentiJack Valenti quote #14