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Change Quote by Barbara Tuchman

“[Blinker] Hall, operating on the quaint theory that the Navy might be needed for battle and that whatever increased the ship's efficiency was a criterion for change, had continued trampling on the toes of orthodoxy.” quote by Barbara Tuchman
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““[Blinker] Hall, operating on the quaint theory that the Navy might be needed for battle and that whatever increased the ship's efficiency was a criterion for change, had continued trampling on the toes of orthodoxy.””

Barbara Tuchman

About This Quote

Source Book: The Guns of August, 1962

Traditional naval doctrine resisted innovation, hindering efficiency improvements despite clear benefits.

In simple terms: Old ideas blocked new ship efficiencies.

Key Takeaway

Challenge entrenched norms to embrace useful change.

Themes

innovation tradition military efficiency change

Mood

critical analytical

Type

historical strategic

When to use this quote

  • business strategy
  • military reform
  • technology adoption

Key Concepts

Institutional inertia technological progress organizational resistance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What incentives can overcome institutional resistance?
  • How can leaders balance tradition with necessary innovation?
A Different Perspective

Change can be slowed by fear of losing established power structures.

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