I’ve always thought blogs (and tweets) based on famous quotes were a bit lazy, but it never stops me reading them. And, in addition to being an avid reader of business books, when I am looking for instant inspiration I often turn to quotes. So…. with a manic few weeks underway I decided that “lazy” might be acceptable, and this series of blogs looks at some of the quotes which have inspired, and amused, me recently.

“The desire to seem clever often keeps us from being so” La Rochefoucauld

Most of us know that there is an art to asking stupid questions. Being able to (and open to) challenge, examination and returning to base principles is a huge asset in business. But for me this quote also means something else. In business there is a huge temptation to bluster and always wear “your game face”; and no-where is better to observe this phenomenon than at business networking. Learning how, and when to discuss the challenges your organisation faces, the downs as well as the ups, and the weakness and well as the strengths is a real skill. Lacking in self awareness or swaying too far to one or other side of this divide is a mistake, and can rob you of vital opportunities to discuss real solutions, and build real and productive partnerships.

Got a favourite quote, or even better one that you hate? Let us know- we’d love to hear your mantras and inspiration.