But in the military you don't get trusted positions just…
““But in the military you don't get trusted positions just because of your ability. You also have to attract the notice of superior officers. You have to be liked. You have to fit in with the system. You have to look like what the officers above you think that officers should look like. You have to think in ways that they are comfortable with. The result was that you ended up with a command structure that was top-heavy with guys who looked good in uniform and talked right and did well enough not to embarrass themselves, while the really good ones quietly did all the serious work and bailed out their superiors and got blamed for errors they had advised against until they eventually got out. That was the military.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Success often depends on fitting in and pleasing superiors rather than pure ability, leading to inefficient hierarchies.
In simple terms: Being liked can outweigh competence.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate competence and visibility.
Themes
politics
military
career
conformity
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- corporate ladders
- military promotions
- team projects
Key Concepts
organisational dynamics
social capital
meritocracy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance authenticity with fitting in?
- When does visibility trump skill?
A Different Perspective
Conformity may suppress true talent.