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Welcome to Values Quotes. I'm Robert Ferguson. Todays quote is from Theodore Roosevelt, the
26th President of the United States. A well-known and insightful quote from Roosevelt
is: "The best executive is the one who has the
sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep
from meddling with them while they do it." Prudent advice from one of the most admired
presidents ever. As a differentiating value, Restraint means
keep under control; keep in check; or avoidance of extravagance or extremes.
Some view this value as controlling others. The tougher challenge is in controlling oneself.
This is the more common view. Yet, exercising restraint is not so common.
Maybe that's why Roosevelt made the statement. He was trying to apply it to himself.
Some argue that Roosevelt demonstrated little self--restraint. Wherever he turned his attention
he was like a dog on a bone. Or as his children referred to him as "a lion."
As president, Roosevelt did not see his job as a mere manager of the nation. He sought
to lead and make positive change. He was an activist.
But even an effective activist can benefit from showing some self-restraint. When others
can relate to your cause, your mission, your passion, AND not feel like you are trying
to control them, then they will permit you to lead them.
That's when you can make a significant difference. You've set the vision. Now a little restraint
will help prevent you from meddling in the good work they will do for you.