Leadership Quote - William Arthur Ward

Created by Erin Morey

The Mediocre Teacher Tells. 

The Good Teacher Explains.

The Superior Teacher Demonstrates.

The Great Teacher Inspires.

- William Arthur Ward

Like many professions there are great teachers, good teachers, and of course bad teachers. Teachers do not have an easy job, with more and more weight put on their sholders even as their resources are limited and their tools become more restricted. Add in what the media portrays as a dangerous work environment (and some may very well be), especially in the last 2 weeks, and it is amazing that there are people who are willing to become teachers, but many will do it because of the students they teach.

But you don't find teachers only in schools. A great leader is also a great teacher, because a great leader will grow other leaders and make sure the team is growing to meet the needs of the mission, task, job etc. The funny thing is that great teachers, who inspire, also become leaders because they lead the student to becoming better, whether that education happens within the walls of a school or not.

Look at the team that surrounds you and ask yourself "How am I inspiring them?" If you don't know the answer, then perhaps it is time to put some real thought into it.

When you're done with that, take a moment and think of a teacher who inspired you. If you can, reach out to her or him and thank her/him. It is through the efforts of those people, who are so often taken for granted, that you are where you are.
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William Arthur Ward is an American writer and perhaps one of the most quoted writiers in American history. He's published 100+ articles in Reader's Digest, The Upper Room, Science of Mind, Ideals, and many others.