9 Mary Kay Quotes To Apply To Your Unit

Today we’re calling out to all leaders. We know it’s tough to be an NSD, director, or independent beauty consultant, but you’ve climbed the ranks to make it where you are today, and we’re proud of you. Mary Kay Ash is proud of you too. She built her empire from the ground up, giving you the opportunity to lead and guide your unit to success today, so let’s take a little breather and look at some inspirational Mary Kay quotes that you can apply to your unit.

Quotes From The Lovely Mary Kay Ash

1. “Sandwich every bit of criticism between two thick layers of praise” - Mary Kay Ash

Yes, preach it, sister. When talking to your unit members you need to let them know what they’re doing well before mentioning what they could improve on. This way they won’t focus on negativity. With praise, they’ll realize that they are doing a good job and will take your words as encouragement to improve.

2. “Aerodynamically, the bumblebee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn’t know it so it goes on flying anyway.” - Mary Kay Ash

This proves that the impossible is, in fact, possible. There is no limit to what you or your unit members can achieve. You don’t know what you can’t do unless you think of limitations yourself and let them stop you from reaching your goals.

3. “For every failure, there’s an alternate course of action. You just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock, take a detour.” - Mary Kay Ash

When something comes up and crushes your plan, don’t give up. There are other ways to reach success. Sometimes problems do come up, but luckily you’re a problem solver. Workaround whatever you think may stop you to reach success.

4. “A company is only as good as the people it keeps.” - Mary Kay Ash

This is a way to make your entire team feel special at once. This quote doesn’t let a company take credit for being good itself, instead, it sends credit to every member of the team for making the company great. A unit can’t succeed unless every member is appreciated and motivated.

5. “Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying, ‘Make me feel important’. Never forget this message when working with people.” - Mary Kay Ash

Whether they know it or not everyone is looking for validation and to feel important. Remember to give praise where praise is due and connect with people. Stop what you’re doing on your phone, make eye contact, and smile when talking to your team. Ask them for their ideas, and what they think. Also, get to know them on a personal level. Ask about their hobbies, families, and goals.

6. “Honesty is the cornerstone of all success, without which confidence and the ability to perform shall cease to exist.” - Mary Kay Ash

Always be honest. Be realistic about expectations and performance. Let people know where they can improve and never oversell something. When people know the truth about what they’re working with then they can confidently sell it.

7. “Criticize the act, not the person” - Mary Kay Ash

Sometimes people make mistakes. It happens, but it isn’t necessarily the person’s fault. Never criticize them directly. For example, if they seem a little too shy while making a sale, don’t call them shy or timid, instead say something along the lines of hey, that was a great first attempt, but maybe you could speak a little louder. Also, don’t forget to point out the positives about their actions.

To simplify this even more, let’s think about puppies. You don’t tell the puppy it’s incompetent when it uses the bathroom inside, instead, you say hey, don’t use the bathroom inside, go outside! You probably follow it up by telling it how cute and good it is too.

8. “The greatest problem we face today is negativity.” - Mary Kay Ash

Nothing brings people down like negativity. Negative comments and negative people can suck the motivation out of a room quick! Be positive and reassuring. Let your team know that they can do anything they put their minds too. Never stop someone’s dreams with a negative response.

9. “Do not desire to fit in. Desire to lead.” - Mary Kay Ash

Trying to fit in can lead to issues with self-imagery and motivation. While it’s great to be social and have friends you and your unit are there for a reason, to reach new levels of success. Forget the gossip, forget who is wearing what, focus on your goals and helping your unit reach theirs.

Inspire Your Unit

You’re doing a great job as a leader, and you can only advance your career further, but don’t forget to keep your unit inspired and motivated, what better way is there to do that than with famous quotes from Mary Kay herself?

For more leadership advice visit UnitWise.com, and please be sure to share your favorite inspirational quotes and thoughts about what it takes to be a great leader in the comment section below.

*Content found in the UnitWise blog is for informational purposes only. UnitWise is an independent business with no affiliation to Mary Kay®.