---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I put those people in place. I trusted…"
description: "\"I put those people in place. I trusted them. I had no idea they would do anything like this.\" — Bernard Ebbers"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a9/bernard-ebbers-26932_no-idea_i-put-those-people-in-place-i-trusted-th_3170449.png"
---

#  I put those people in place. I trusted them. I had no idea…

![“I put those people in place. I trusted them. I had no idea they would do anything like this.” quote by Bernard Ebbers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a9/bernard-ebbers-26932_no-idea_i-put-those-people-in-place-i-trusted-th_3170449.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a9/bernard-ebbers-26932_no-idea_i-put-those-people-in-place-i-trusted-th_3170449.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a9/bernard-ebbers-26932_no-idea_i-put-those-people-in-place-i-trusted-th_3170449.png)

> “I put those people in place. I trusted them. I had no idea they would do anything like this.”

[Bernard Ebbers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernard-ebbers/)

## About This Quote

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

The speaker placed trust in people who later betrayed that trust, highlighting risks of blind confidence.

**In simple terms:** He trusted people who later betrayed him.

Key Takeaway

Verify trustworthiness before delegating authority.

Themes

trust betrayal leadership risk management accountability

Mood

cautious serious

Type

leadership warning

When to use this quote

- hiring executives
- granting financial control
- project oversight

Key Concepts

corporate governance ethical decision‑making risk assessment

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you assess trust without micromanaging?
- What safeguards protect against betrayal?

A Different Perspective

Over‑trust can lead to catastrophic loss.

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