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I must have assistants who will solve their own problems and tell me later what they've done.
George C. Marshall
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Effective leaders empower their teams to solve problems independently.

This quote emphasizes the importance of leadership that fosters independence and initiative among team members. By encouraging assistants to take ownership of their challenges and report back with solutions, a leader cultivates a proactive mindset that not only improves team dynamics but also enhances overall productivity and responsibility.

Themes

LeadershipIndependenceInitiativeTeamworkProblem-Solving

In practice

Example use cases

In a team meeting, a manager shares this quote to encourage employees to take initiative and think critically.

More from George C. Marshall

The gallantry and aggressive fighting spirit of the Russian soldiers command the American army's admiration.
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Morale is the state of mind. It is steadfastness and courage and hope. It is confidence and zeal and loyalty. It is Γ©lan, esprit de corps and determination.
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Our policy is directed not against any country or doctrine but against hunger, poverty, desperation and chaos. Its purpose should be the revival of a working economy in the world so as to permit the emergence of political and social conditions in which free institutions can exist.
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What other people do shouldn't affect you - we do things because of the kind of person we each want to be
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A political problem thought of in military terms eventually becomes a military problem.
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Democracy is the most demanding of all forms of government in terms of the energy, imagination, and public spirit required of the individual.
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