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I admired Him as a man rather than as a leader. He preached something beyond my liking, perhaps beyond my reason. And I would have no man preach to me. I was taken by His voice and His gestures, not by the substance of His speech. He charmed me but never convinced me; for He was too vague, too distant and obscure to reach my mind. I have known other men like Him. They are never constant nor are they consistent. It is with eloquence not with principles that they hold your ear and your passing thought, but never the core of your heart.

Khalil Gibran#27

CommunicationLeadershipCharismaIntegrityPrinciples

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker admits being charmed by a leader's style but not convinced by their vague principles.
In plain terms
A leader can be captivating without being reliable or principled.
What can you take from it?
Look past charisma to evaluate a leader's core values.

Where it applies

  • political analysis
  • team management

Putting it to work

  • evaluating leadership
  • critical thinking

Questions to consider

  • Have you followed a leader who lacked substance?
  • What matters more: style or consistency?

Another view

It undervalues the role of communication in effective leadership.

More from Khalil Gibran

  1. He was gentle, like a man mindful of his own strength. In my dreams I beheld the kings of the earth standing in awe in His presence.

    Permalink to quote #26
  2. In every aspect of the day Jesus was aware of the Father. He beheld Him in the clouds and in the shadows of the clouds that pass over the earth. He saw the Fat…

    Permalink to quote #28
  3. Am I less man because I believe in a greater man? The barriers of flesh and bone fell down when the Poet of Galilee spoke to me; and I was held by a spirit, an…

    Permalink to quote #25

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