A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit.

In this quote, Arnold H. Glasow highlights the selfless nature of effective leadership. He suggests that a good leader is willing to take on responsibility and accept more than their fair share of blame when things go wrong, while being humble enough to take less than their fair share of credit when things go right. This approach reflects the leader’s commitment to the success of the team over personal recognition, reinforcing the idea that leadership is about serving others rather than seeking praise.

Glasow’s quote emphasizes that a true leader prioritizes the collective success of the team or organization over individual accolades. By taking more blame, the leader shields their team from undue criticism, allowing their team members to grow and learn without the pressure of failure resting solely on them. On the other hand, by taking less credit, the leader shows humility, recognizing the contributions of the team and ensuring that the focus remains on shared success.

The quote speaks to the balance that good leaders must maintain between accountability and humility. Leadership is not about ego or personal gain, but about fostering a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility. Glasow’s perspective aligns with the idea that effective leaders inspire trust and respect by placing the needs of their team above their own desire for recognition.

Ultimately, Glasow’s quote serves as a reminder that leadership is not about self-promotion, but about creating an environment where the team feels supported, valued, and empowered. A good leader’s willingness to bear responsibility and distribute praise equally encourages team cohesion, loyalty, and mutual respect, which are critical for achieving long-term success.