As a huge movie lover, it broke my heart to hear of the passing of James Earl Jones on September 9th, 2024. Jones had been a significant fixture in the movie industry. Some of his most notable roles include:
- The voice of Darth Vader in many Star Wars movies
- Mufasa in The Lion King
- The Narrator in Judge Dredd
- Mr. Moses in The Meteor Man
And many more. You knew who it was the instant you heard James Earl Jones’s voice. And it creates instant excitement in any film.
With his passing, I want to look at some of his most memorable leadership quotes and the characters he played. His experience and legacy will be here for generations to come. Let’s celebrate the leadership insights he gave.
10 Leadership Quotes From James Earl Jones
1. James Earl Jones:
One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can’t utter.
Jones had a stutter from a young age. His stutter prohibited him from speaking clearly and communicating well with those around him. Over the years, he overcame the stutter, but he understood the challenge of not being able to speak the words you want.
Too many leaders are stuck without a voice. They don’t know how to say what they know they need to say.
Work on overcoming the fear of being misunderstood, communicating poorly, and more.
2. Mufasa in The Lion King:
Everything the light touches… is our kingdom. But a king’s time as ruler rises and falls like the sun.
Mufasa’s character in The Lion King recognizes leaders come and go. He would not be the king of the jungle forever. That mantle would be passed to someone else, most likely his son.
As you lead in your organization, recognize you won’t lead there forever. Your time will rise and fall like the sun. Prepare someone for your succession.
3. James Earl Jones:
I am so pleased to be part of that full legend. Even as an observer. I am just an observer.
These were his thoughts on the Star Wars legend. He played such a pivotal role as Luke Skywalker’s father, Anakin/Darth Vader. He was proud to be a part of the history of a great movie franchise.
Are you proud of the work you’ve done in your organization? You should be. You might stumble over the word pride if you’re a Christian leader. But you can still be glad, thankful, happy that you were part of something great.
4. Thulsa Doom from Conan:
Seek…
Arnold Schwarzenegger is iconic in his role as Conan the Barbarian. Did you realize James Earl Jones played a part as well?
In one scene, his character, Thulsa Doom, tells others to seek. While he was a villain in the film, his Conan quote should still inspire us.
Leaders are seekers. They seek the truth, great team members, and success. Go, seek…
5. James Earl Jones:
I can be easily inspired and motivated by the smallest act of kindness or a simple word of encouragement.
Wow! It’s hard to believe a man such as James Earl Jones could be inspired by simple words or acts of kindnesses, yet here he said he was.
We get caught up in the grandiose. We believe bigger is better. What if it is not?
Be willing to be inspired by the small kindnesses in life. The simple words and deeds.
You’ll be surprised at how much such things can inspire you.
6. King Jaffe Joffer in Coming To America:
It is normal to feel anxiety about meeting your queen.
In this film, King Jaffee Joffer was talking to his son, Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphey). Prince Akeem was nervous to meet the woman picked out to marry him. His father let him know it is normal to feel anxiety.
Do you know where else it’s normal to feel anxiety? In your leadership. You don’t know the outcome of everything you’re going to do. You only have an idea.
Be okay with the unknown. Recognize your anxiousness. Then take action.
7. James Earl Jones:
You don’t build a bond without being present.
James Earl Jones knew what it took to build at least a basic bond. It was his presence.
Leaders, you cannot form a bond with those you lead if you’re not a constant presence in their lives. You don’t have to loom over them as they do their work. You do have to be present and available. You can even do this remotely. It takes more intentionality but you can do it.
8. Admiral Greer in Patriot Games:
Let’s deal in what we know and not what we don’t.
Admiral Greer, Marty Cantor, and Jack Ryan were discussing the escape of a prisoner. Greer wanted to get past the thoughts of what happened to what they knew happened. They knew he was being transported. They knew he had escaped. They knew the location. That’s what he had to deal with.
It’s easy to get caught up in the theoretical. To hypostatize about what could be. A leader’s job is to deal in the unknown and the known. Lay out the facts, see what’s happened/happening, and deal with it.
9. James Earl Jones:
The last thing I want to be is a rich black superstar. I just want to act.
I love this thought from James Earl Jones. He knew what he wanted: to act. He didn’t want to be known by his wealth or the color of his skin or a superstar. He wanted to practice his craft.
Have you ever seen a leader who got into leading an organization for the recognition, wealth, or status it provided? These leaders are in it for the wrong reasons. Lead for the right reasons.
10. James Earl Jones:
Every journey starts with a single step, but it’s the determination to keep going that makes it worthwhile.
Leadership is difficult. You will experience team members who lack motivation, financial struggles, and more. You may have taken the first step to lead others but what happens after that? You’re going to have to keep moving forward. To do that, you have to be determined.
