When I give a man an office, I watch him carefully to see whether he is swelling or growing

When I give a man an office, I watch him carefully to see whether he is swelling or growing

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, was known for his insightful and often profound statements about leadership and governance. One of his most famous quotes is, “When I give a man an office, I watch him carefully to see whether he is swelling or growing.” This quote encapsulates Wilson’s belief in the importance of character and integrity in leadership.

Wilson believed that holding a position of power or authority was a privilege that should be taken seriously. He understood that the temptation to abuse power or become arrogant was always present, and he made it a point to observe how individuals behaved once they were given a position of influence. Wilson was not interested in promoting individuals who were only interested in furthering their own agendas or inflating their own egos. Instead, he valued leaders who were committed to serving the greater good and who demonstrated humility and a willingness to learn and grow.