The quote that won my vote this week...

"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."

-Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin said this to support his theory of natural selection. He always said it was those that were most adapted to their specific environments that were able to reproduce for future generations. In that sense, the phrase that we use commonly now - "survival of the fittest" - does not necessarily match up to Darwin's theory.

Regardless of the scientific implications of this quote, we can take away a very valuable leadership lesson. Change is generally not welcome into our lives, especially when we are comfortable with the way things are, and it is not always pleasant. However, it is important to be able to adapt to various situations. By doing so, you raise yourself above those who remain stubborn and unwilling to be flexible. At times, by changing, you discover more about yourself and available options. Being forced into such a situation may actually prove to be a blessing in disguise. You are given an opportunity to better suit your environment and possibly come up with a more effective idea. For example, companies that do not make modifications at a time like the current financial crisis, will have an extremely difficult time.

BUT, there are times that you DO NOT change. This is when circumstances require you to forfeit your morals and values. A leader will always stand their ground when it comes to their ethics.

I found this quote while reading Harvard Business Review (January-February 2010 Issue).