There has been many wise quotes from the billionaire Warren Buffett. One that stands out is his hearing to Congress in 1991 on the investment bank Salomon Brothers. Back then Warren had purchased a large share of the bank and the bank broke rules in order to earn a profit. Warren was unaware of all the mismanagement and illegal activities until the government was forcing the bank to testify for the banks' activities. Warren at the time was a highly respective investor therefore it was wise for the bank to have him be CEO and wise of Warren to lead the bank out of disgrace since he held a large stake.
Buffett's most famous words from his prepared remarks came with his kicker. “If [the employees of Salomon Brothers] follow this test, they need not fear my other message to them,” Buffett said. “Lose money for the firm, and I will be understanding; lose a shred of reputation for the firm, and I will be ruthless.”
The quote Warren speaks is very direct to the employees of the bank. Yet it really can be relatable to any job. A good reputation takes a long time to build but very short time to destroy. The reputation Warren was trying to protect was very direct and specific to the employees of Salomon Brothers. Strong leader is strong with words. He did just that and to this day a good reminder how important reputation is. It trumps job skills, physical skills, or mental skills. Without a good reputation there would not be the opportunities to perform therefore can not perform well.