The reason you have committees is that you have divided…
““The reason you have committees is that you have divided responsibilities,” Jobs said. “We don’t. At Apple you can figure out exactly who is responsible.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Clarifies that clear accountability eliminates the need for committees, which arise when duties are fragmented.
In simple terms: Clear accountability reduces bureaucracy.
Key Takeaway
Assign responsibility to streamline decisions.
Themes
Leadership
Organizational design
Accountability
Decision-making
Mood
Focused
Assertive
Type
Business
Leadership
When to use this quote
- Product development teams
- Corporate governance
- Start‑up management
Key Concepts
Responsibility
Structure
Efficiency
Practical Applications
- Define ownership matrices
- Eliminate redundant approval layers
Questions to Reflect On
- How does unclear responsibility affect speed?
- What mechanisms ensure accountability without stifling input?
A Different Perspective
Committees can provide diverse perspectives that a single owner might miss.