3 Lessons The "Teach A Man How To Fish" Quote Offers - Plus Our Leaders Give Their Favorite Quotes

You’ve probably heard the saying, "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."

But what does this quote actually mean and why should the modern leader even care?

Strap in, because we're about to show you.

However, we're also going to go further and explain why this quote should be front and center of any modern-day leader's mind, AND we also polled our subscribers for their own favorite leadership quotes.

So, let's go ahead and cast our nets...

Teach A Man How To Fish Quote Origins

The exact origins of this quote are unclear, with some people attributing it to ancient Chinese philosophy and others to biblical teachings. Take a look at just how many possible sources are cited for this famous quote:

Ancient Chinese Philosophy

One of the most commonly cited origins of the quote is ancient Chinese philosophy. It is often attributed to Laozi, an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer, who is considered the founder of Taoism. The quote is thought to reflect the Taoist principle of teaching self-reliance and personal growth.

Biblical References

Another possible origin is the Bible. While the exact phrase doesn't appear in the Bible, the sentiment is present in several passages. For example, in the New Testament, Jesus teaches his disciples to be "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). This metaphor emphasizes teaching others to spread the message of faith and self-reliance.

British Literature

The quote also appears in British literature. Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie, the daughter of the famous novelist William Makepeace Thackeray, used a similar phrase in her novel "Mrs. Dymond," published in 1885. She wrote, "If you give a man a fish, he is hungry again in an hour. If you teach him to catch a fish, you do him a good turn."

Jewish Teachings

In Jewish teachings, there's a similar idea found in the Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism. It emphasizes the importance of teaching a person a trade or skill rather than providing them with short-term aid. This principle highlights the value of self-sufficiency and long-term benefits.

African Proverb

Some sources also suggest that the quote may have African origins. There are various African proverbs that convey similar messages about the importance of teaching skills and self-reliance. These proverbs often focus on community support and long-term sustainability.

Why the Origin Matters

Understanding the origins of this quote helps us appreciate its universal appeal and timeless relevance. Regardless of its true source, the message resonates across different cultures and eras. It underscores the importance of education, self-reliance, and empowerment, making it a powerful lesson for leaders, educators, and individuals alike.

Why Does This Quote Matter To Modern-Day Leaders?

Whether you're manager of a small team or the leader of a large organization, we reckon that this quote matters more than ever to the modern-day business leader, for 3 key reasons:

Empowerment

Think about this: if you always give answers, your team will always come back with more questions. Instead, when you teach them how to find solutions, you’re building their confidence and independence. This means your team can handle challenges on their own, making your whole operation run smoother and more efficiently.

Scalability

As your business grows, you can’t be everywhere at once. By teaching your team to handle responsibilities independently, you’re ensuring that your organization can scale effectively. When employees feel trusted and capable, they take ownership of their work, which is crucial for the growth and success of your business.

Building a Learning Culture

Imagine a workplace where everyone is excited to learn and grow. Leaders who teach rather than just tell foster a culture of continuous improvement. Employees who feel empowered to develop new skills and seek knowledge become more engaged and productive. This not only boosts individual performance but also drives the entire organization forward.

In short, the "Teach a man how to fish" quote is a powerful lesson for modern leaders.

But, what do the leaders in our network use as their North-star when it comes to leadership quotes?

16 Quotes On Leadership Chosen By Industry Leaders

1. Isabel Thomson-Officer, Co-Founder & Managing Director at Manifest

Trust isn't earned, it's given

"Making someone 'earn' your trust starts the relationship off on the wrong foot. It implies that you think you are better than them and it doesn't allow room for the fact that they just might do it a better way to you. It's about letting go of ego ad control and giving someone else an opportunity to shine."

2. Meike Bettscheider, Sparring Partner, Compass Setting

My #1 leadership quote is by John Quincy Adams:

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.

"This quote is my favorite because it encapsulates the true essence of leadership. It shifts the focus from authority and control to inspiration and empowerment. For me, leadership is about fostering an environment where people feel motivated to achieve their fullest potential."

3. Stacy Brookman, Leadership & Resilience Coach, Real Life Resilience

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

"This quote by Eleanor Roosevelt is my favorite because it beautifully captures the essence of resilience and personal growth, especially in leadership. It reminds me that true strength, courage, and confidence come from facing our fears head-on."

4. Matt Kovacs, President, Blaze PR

The Standard is the Standard

"This quote from Mike Tomlin, Head Coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is my favorite leadership quote because it encapsulates the essence of unwavering excellence and consistency. This quote reminds me that the benchmark for success is not variable; it is a constant that must be met regardless of circumstances."

5. Maurice Harary, CEO, The Bid Lab

To grow beyond your comfort zone, you must first step out of it.

"Without exposure to new things, you will never grow, and while it can feel safe to be stagnant, it will never offer the rewards that come with pushing yourself and the things you discover about yourself when you go outside of your comfort zone."

6. Breanna Walther, President & Founder, Suden PR

You must be comfortable with being uncomfortable

"This quote often reminds me that fear and discomfort are natural aspects of growth. And while at times you may think this is only relevant to you, it’s important to remember that everyone will experience this at some point in their lives. Whether it’s the fear of failure, rejection, or the unknown, I’ve learned that by working to embrace my discomfort I can continue to build confidence and navigate these challenges with a positive mindset."

7. Michelle Schafer, Owner and Career Coach, Michelle Schafer Coaching

"Simon Sinek has so many memorable leadership quotes - one of my favourites is:

The leaders who get the most out of their people are the leaders who care most about their people.

You can see the evidence of great leadership in the service you receive - chances are, if the customer service agents you are working with feel valued and supported by their leader, they will provide exceptional service to you."

8. Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder & CEO Mavens & Moguls

"My favorite quote is:

People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

It has been attributed to many people including Teddy Roosevelt. I like it and find it inspiring because it is a simple reminder to listen more than talk, show empathy and try to look at the situation from another perspective. It’s true online and offline too. The goal is not to wear them down or impress them with your smarts. The goal is to connect, communicate clearly, solve the problem and move on."

9. Darcy Cudmore, Founder of RepuLinks

Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work." - Stephen King

"This quote by Stephen King resonates deeply with me and serves as a guiding principle in my leadership journey. It underscores the idea that talent alone is not enough to achieve success; it is dedication, perseverance, and relentless effort that truly make the difference. As a leader, this quote reminds me to value hard work and continuous improvement over innate talent."

10. Meghan E. O'Kane, Attorney, Swerdlow Florence Sanchez Swerdlow & Wimmer

“Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.” –Gertrude Stein

"It is important to me that I express my gratitude both personally and professionally. I try to send one thank you note a week. Taking the time to acknowledge those who have had a positive impact in my life or work, whether big or small, lifts my mood. I do not want to assume that people know I am grateful for their work. When appreciation is communicated, people feel valued and connected."

11. Craig R. Smith, Partner, Lando & Anastasi

Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." – Winston Churchill.

"This is my favorite leadership quote because both success and failure are fleeting. We can learn from both and then work on improving ourselves and helping those around us."

12. Karen Borofsky, Director of Administration, Lando & Anastasi LLP

When people show you who they are, believe them.” – Maya Angelou.

"People will reveal their true selves through their actions – not necessarily their words. Keeping this in mind helps me to better evaluate my colleagues, and provides guidance on how I need to interact with them to have the best chance at accomplishing whatever needs to get done for my organization (and for me). Adopting this perspective also helps me to determine whom I can trust and with whom I can build strong alliances – and of course, the converse as well."

13. Avana Epperson-Temple, Attorney, MBLA President

"One of my favorite leadership quotes is from Sheryl Sandberg:

Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.

This quote guides my work as President of the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association. It underscores that true leadership goes beyond achieving organizational goals; it is about uplifting, educating, and empowering individuals, especially team members, with an eye toward overall growth."

14. Ketan Dattani, CEO, Buckingham Futures

When things go wrong in your command, start searching for the reason in increasingly large circles around your own desk." - Gen. Bruce Clarke General Bruce Clarke

"The phrase emphasizes starting with self-reflection while the concept of "increasingly large circles" implies a systematic approach to identifying problems. Leaders should gradually extend the search from themselves to their immediate surroundings, team, and the broader organisation. By beginning the search close to their own desk, leaders acknowledge their central role in the functioning of their command."

15. Bill Byrne, Managing Director, Remedy Public Relations

You can't lead from behind.

"It's critical in marketing that those leading the teams, and working with new clients or partners, are involved in the actual execution. If you're not occasionally in the trenches with your team, your knowledge-base becomes outdated and the plans you develop are destined for failure."

16. Carla Williams Johnson, CEO, Carli Communications

I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.

"Maya Angelou This quote from Maya Angelou helps me understand that I am doing the best that I can and that learning is all part of the process. It’s a reminder to never stop growing and improving."