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If something went badly, you had to put it in the log…

“If something went badly, you had to put it in the log, characterize its severity, and make clear who was responsible for it. If a mistake happened and you logged it, you were okay. If you didn’t log it, you would be in deep trouble.” quote by Ray Dalio
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““If something went badly, you had to put it in the log, characterize its severity, and make clear who was responsible for it. If a mistake happened and you logged it, you were okay. If you didn’t log it, you would be in deep trouble.””

Ray Dalio

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Logging mistakes makes accountability clear and prevents hidden errors from causing larger problems.

In simple terms: Record errors to stay accountable.

Key Takeaway

Always document failures promptly.

Themes

accountability risk management transparency

Mood

responsible pragmatic

Type

advice procedural

When to use this quote

  • project management
  • software development
  • financial trading
  • clinical practice

Key Concepts

systems thinking organizational learning

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does logging change team behavior?
  • What barriers prevent timely documentation?
A Different Perspective

If not logged, errors can be repeated unnoticed.

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