Robert Townsend Quotes

A collection of quotes by Robert Townsend.

Robert Townsend is an American actor, comedian, and director. Born on February 6, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, he gained recognition for his role as the lead character in the film "Hollywood Shuffle" (1987), which he also wrote and directed. Townsend went on to appear in various movies and television shows, including "The Five Heartbeats" (1991) and "The Parent 'Hood" (1995-1999). He has also directed several successful films, such as "Eddie Murphy Raw" (1987) and "Meteor Man" (1993). Townsend's work in the entertainment industry has made him a respected figure in comedy and filmmaking.

A good manager doesn't try to eliminate conflict; he tries t

A good manager doesn't try to eliminate conflict; he tries to keep it from wasting the energies of his people. If you're the boss and your people fight you openly when they think that you are wrong -- that's healthy.

Robert Townsend

If you don't do it with excellence, don't do it at all! Beca

If you don't do it with excellence, don't do it at all! Because if it's not excellent, it won't be profitable or fun, and if you're not in business for fun or profit, what the hell are you doing there?

Robert Townsend

Compromise is usually bad. It should be a last resort. If tw

Compromise is usually bad. It should be a last resort. If two departments or divisions have a problem they can't solve and it comes up to you, listen to both sides and then pick one or the other. This places solid accountability on the winner to make it work. Condition your people to avoid compromise.

Robert Townsend

Make every decision as if you owned the whole company.

Make every decision as if you owned the whole company.

Robert Townsend

Is what I'm doing or about to do getting us closer to our ob

Is what I'm doing or about to do getting us closer to our objective?

Robert Townsend

If you shoot for the stars and hit the moon, it's OK. But yo

If you shoot for the stars and hit the moon, it's OK. But you've got to shoot for something. A lot of people don't even shoot.

Robert Townsend

True leadership must be for the benefit of the followers, no

True leadership must be for the benefit of the followers, not the enrichment of the leaders.

Robert Townsend

Consultants are people who borrow your watch and tell you wh

Consultants are people who borrow your watch and tell you what time it is, and then walk off with the watch.

Robert Townsend

Professionalism

A good leader needs to have a compass in his head and a bar

A good leader needs to have a compass in his head and a bar of steel in his heart.

Robert Townsend

Many ideas are good for a limited time -- not forever.

Many ideas are good for a limited time -- not forever.

Robert Townsend