The more I move among workers and factories and other…
![“The more I move among workers and factories and other plants, the stronger I become convinced that it is advisable to have as [a company] president a practical man, preferably one who has risen from the very bottom of the ladder. Workmen, I find, have far more respect for such men than for…” quote by B. C. Forbes](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/9f4/b-c-forbes-2124_advisable_the-more-i-move-among-workers-and-factor_2194902.jpg)
“The more I move among workers and factories and other plants, the stronger I become convinced that it is advisable to have as [a company] president a practical man, preferably one who has risen from the very bottom of the ladder. Workmen, I find, have far more respect for such men than for collar-and-cuff executives knowing little or nothing about the different kinds of work which have to be done by the workers. Wherever circumstances call for placing a financier or lawyer or a papa's son at the head of a large organization, he should be made chairman or some other title, but not president.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Leaders who rose from the ground floor earn genuine respect, unlike detached executives.
In simple terms: Leaders with hands‑on experience command respect.
Key Takeaway
Promote from within.
Themes
leadership
respect
authenticity
Mood
pragmatic
inspirational
Type
business
motivational
When to use this quote
- company management
- career advancement
- employee morale
- succession planning
Key Concepts
organizational behavior
social hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance insider knowledge with external innovation?
- What systems ensure merit‑based promotion?
A Different Perspective
Promoting insiders may limit fresh perspectives from external expertise.