Consistently Quote by David Livermore
“Clashing expectations are what most consistently derail any team, and especially a culturally diverse team. So if you take the time to "define" the goal carefully upfront, you've addressed one of the most difficult and important parts of the innovative process.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Leading with Cultural Intelligence, David Livermore, 2015
Unclear goals cause teams, especially diverse ones, to fail; defining goals early prevents misalignment and conflict.
In simple terms: Clear goals keep diverse teams aligned.
Key Takeaway
Define goals early to avoid derailment.
Themes
teamwork
diversity
communication
leadership
innovation
Mood
focused
collaborative
Type
advisory
strategic
When to use this quote
- project kickoff
- cross‑functional meetings
- strategic planning
- team building
Key Concepts
cultural intelligence
goal setting
conflict prevention
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance clear goals with flexibility?
- What processes ensure all voices shape the goal?
A Different Perspective
If goals are defined too rigidly, they may stifle creativity.
![“It cannot be an American fight. And I think what the president [Barack Obama] has consistently said - which I agree with - is that we will support those who take the fight to ISIS. That is why we have troops in Iraq that are helping to train and build back up the Iraqi military, why we have…” quote by Hillary Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f1e/hillary-clinton-51_agree_it-cannot-be-an-american-fight-and-i-thi_19737.jpg)
