Authority Quote by Antony Jay
“Referring the matter to a committee' can be a device for diluting authority, diffusing responsibility and delaying decisions.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: The Sir Winston Churchill Memorial Lecture, 1972
Using committees can obscure leadership, spread blame, and stall action.
In simple terms: Committees can dilute authority and delay decisions.
Key Takeaway
Avoid over‑reliance on committees for urgent matters.
Themes
authority
responsibility
decision‑making
bureaucracy
Mood
frustrated
critical
Type
analytical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- corporate board meetings
- government policy formation
- project management
- crisis response
Key Concepts
delegation
diffusion of power
organizational inertia
Questions to Reflect On
- When does a committee become a barrier?
- How can accountability be preserved?
A Different Perspective
Committees may be necessary for diverse input, despite slowing progress.
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