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These observations tie in directly with the whole question of organizing. Why do we have leaders? We put some people out in the fields and all of a sudden they hit, they click. Everyone's happy with them and they begin to move mountains. With other people there are problems and heartaches. They just don't go. When we look and see what's happening, almost invariably the differences are along the lines of willingness to sacrifice and work long hours.

Cesar Chavez#122

WorkSacrificeLeadershipOrganizing

About this quote

What does it mean?
Effective leaders in organizing emerge because they are willing to sacrifice personal time and work hard. Problems arise when this willingness is missing.
In plain terms
Good leaders appear when people are willing to work hard and sacrifice for the cause.
What can you take from it?
Leadership capacity depends on willingness to work and sacrifice, not just title.

Where it applies

  • team management
  • volunteer coordination
  • activist training

Putting it to work

  • identify willing workers
  • reward hard work
  • train for sacrifice

Questions to consider

  • What motivates people to lead?
  • Is leadership innate or learned?

Another view

Relying on sacrifice can lead to burnout if not managed.

More from Cesar Chavez

  1. There's no turning back...We will win. We are winning because ours is a revolution of mind and heart...

    Permalink to quote #121
  2. Those who are willing to sacrifice and be of service have very little difficulty with people. They know what they are all about. People can't help but want to …

    Permalink to quote #123
  3. There is so much human potential wasted by poverty, so many children are forced to quit school and go to work.

    Permalink to quote #120

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