Asking for people's help - rather than directing it - is almost always the smart way of doing things, regardless of the stakes.
Interpretation
Asking for help is often more effective than simply giving orders.
This quote emphasizes the importance of collaboration and seeking assistance from others instead of taking a purely authoritative approach. It suggests that engaging others through requests for help can lead to better outcomes and foster a more cooperative environment, regardless of the complexity of the task at hand.
In practice
During a team meeting, you could reference this quote to encourage members to share their ideas.
Curiosity at work isn't a matter of style. It's much more powerful than that. If you're the boss, and you manage by asking questions, you're laying the foundation for the culture of your company or your group. You're letting people know that the boss is willing to listen.
You have to trust yourself, not research. Not testing. Testing helps, but you have to trust your own taste. If your taste says something isn't any good, don't let research rationalize that out of its own truth.
In government, our chief executives have been lawyers. The great majority of our cabinets and congresses are and have been men trained in the law. They have provided the leadership and the statecraft and the store of strength when it was needed.
Don't hide bad news. With multiple information channels available, bad news always becomes known. Be candid right from the start.
Great nations need organizing principles, and 'Don't do stupid stuff' is not an organizing principle.
It is essential to understand that battles are primarily won in the hearts of men.
My own experience is use the tools that are out there. Use the digital world. But never lose sight of the need to reach out and talk to other people who don't share your view. Listen to them and see if you can find a way to compromise.
As leaders, we owe it to every employee to let them know where they stand in the organization.
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