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I never hesitated to promote someone I didn't like. The…

“I never hesitated to promote someone I didn't like. The comfortable assistant - the nice guy you like to go on fishing trips with - is a great pitfall. Instead I looked for those sharp, scratchy, harsh, almost unpleasant guys who see and tell you about things as they really are. If you can get…” quote by Tom Watson
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“I never hesitated to promote someone I didn't like. The comfortable assistant - the nice guy you like to go on fishing trips with - is a great pitfall. Instead I looked for those sharp, scratchy, harsh, almost unpleasant guys who see and tell you about things as they really are. If you can get enough of them around you, and have patience enough to hear them out, there is no limit to where you can go.”

Tom Watson

About This Quote

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

Avoid comfortable, agreeable allies; instead, seek candid, sometimes harsh critics who provide truthful insight, leading to limitless growth.

In simple terms: Prefer honest critics over easy companions.

Key Takeaway

Listen to truth, not comfort.

Themes

leadership truth growth

Mood

critical motivational

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • business
  • personal development
  • team building
  • mentoring

Key Concepts

psychology organizational behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who challenges you honestly?
  • How do you handle criticism?
A Different Perspective

Harsh feedback can damage morale.

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