What I learned at LucasArts was, you don't make your bets on ideas: ideas are cheap. You make your bets on people.
Interpretation
Successful projects depend on the strengths of the individuals involved rather than just the ideas behind them.
In this quote, Tim Schafer emphasizes the importance of valuing people over mere ideas in creative pursuits and leadership. He suggests that while ideas may be numerous and easy to come by, the true potential lies in the capabilities and relationships of the individuals executing those ideas. This highlights the critical role of teamwork, collaboration, and trust in achieving success.
In practice
In a team meeting focused on brainstorming, I could use this quote to emphasize the importance of our collaboration.
It is a mindless philosophy that assumes that one's private beliefs have nothing to do with public office. Does it make sense to entrust those who are immoral in private with the power to determine the nation's moral issues and, indeed, its destiny? One of the most dangerous and terrifying trends in America today is the disregard for character as a central necessity in a leader's credentials. The duplicitous soul of a leader can only make a nation more sophisticated in evil.
The truth is that teamwork is at the heart of great achievement.
I'm looking for players who make their teammates better. You do that with enthusiasm and passion.
For creative tasks, the best approach is often just to hire great people and get out of their way.
My idea of management is that what your job is as the boss is to find really good people and empower them and leave them alone.
For organizations seriously committed to making teamwork a cultural reality, I'm convinced that 'the right people' are the ones who have three virtues in common - humility, hunger, and people smarts.
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