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Advisable Quote by B. C. Forbes

“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
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“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.”

B. C. Forbes

About This Quote

Source Essay: Business Leadership, 1915

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.

4.3 out of 5 (3 ratings)

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