A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit.

Arnold H. Glasow (1905–1998) was an American businessman and prolific compiler of aphorisms and motivational observations, widely quoted in mid-to-late 20th‑century management and self-improvement literature. This line circulates chiefly in leadership-training contexts, where it is used to summarize an ethic of responsibility and humility: leaders should absorb accountability when outcomes are poor and distribute recognition when outcomes are good. The quotation is typically presented as a standalone maxim rather than tied to a specific speech or dated event, reflecting Glasow’s reputation for pithy, general-purpose counsel aimed at workplace conduct and character.

The saying defines leadership less as authority than as moral posture. “More than his share of the blame” suggests that a leader protects the team, models accountability, and treats failure as a duty to learn and improve rather than a chance to scapegoat. “Less than his share of the credit” frames success as collective, urging leaders to elevate others and resist vanity. Together, the two clauses describe a reciprocal economy of trust: people are more willing to take initiative and risk when they know their leader will not abandon them in setbacks and will recognize them in victories. The maxim also implies that credibility is earned through self-restraint and service.