Three Quotes That Shape My Leadership

What quotes are shaping you right now?

Not the ones framed on a wall. Not the ones you repost on social media.
The ones that quietly sit in front of you every day — and challenge you to lead better.

Thank you for joining, me, this is Tom Garrity. This month on the Perception Podcast, I’m taking you on a short field trip — to my office.

At the base of my computer screen are three Post-it notes. They’ve survived desk clean-offs, office moves, and new monitors. They’re still there because they still matter.

In the spirit of one beggar showing another beggar where to get food — here are three sayings that continue to shape my perceptions and my leadership.

1. “People want to be part of something bigger than themselves.”
You’ve heard versions of this from leaders across philanthropy, national service, and business. It aligns closely with Simon Sinek’s concept of starting with “Why.” That’s likely how it ended up on my screen — I’m a big fan.

At its core, this statement reflects a fundamental human truth:
People crave meaning.

We move from “me” to “we.”
From task to purpose.
From activity to impact.

Whether in business, community building, or family life, people want to know their effort matters — that it connects to something larger than their job description.

This quote reminds me that leadership is not about spotlight — it’s about stewardship. It’s not about building a platform for an individual; it’s about building a mission that others can step into.

It also checks motivation.
Am I creating space for others to contribute to something meaningful?
Or am I unintentionally shrinking the vision?

When people feel part of something bigger, you get engagement. You get loyalty. You get legacy.

The second saying you will find on my computer monitor screen…

2. “Humility tells a better story.”
This one likely came to me through the He Gets Us campaign, and it stuck.

In a culture that rewards volume and self-promotion, humility feels countercultural — and powerful.

“Humility tells a better story” suggests that service, self-awareness, and quiet confidence are more compelling than bravado.

A better story is not one where the hero dominates the stage.
It’s one where the hero grows.

Humility shifts the focus outward. It allows empathy. It invites collaboration. It leaves room to admit mistakes and evolve.

Arrogance creates a brittle narrative — one that cracks under pressure.
Humility creates resilience — because it allows learning.

As leaders, especially in communications and public life, it’s tempting to control the narrative. But the most compelling leaders don’t force their story — they live it.

Humility tells a better story because it’s believable.

The third and final saying you will find on my computer, at least for now…

3. “People are not the enemy. They are the opportunity.”

In today’s environment — especially online — it’s easy to see disagreement as combat. We all have seen what happens when keyboard warriors get the best of us.

Social media is very good at telling us what’s wrong and who to blame. That line from The American President still rings true.

But this Post-it note of wisdom forces a shift of mindset.

When I see someone as an enemy, I conserve energy for defense.
When I see someone as an opportunity, I conserve energy for growth.

This quote reminds me that people with different perspectives are not obstacles — they are invitations.

Invitation to listen.
Invitation to understand.
Invitation to collaborate better.

It demands empathy as a first response, not a last resort.

Even when there is disagreement — especially when there is disagreement — there is opportunity for refinement, for perspective, for better solutions.

And sometimes, for person