Boss Quote by David Ogilvy
“Set exorbitant standards, and give your people hell when they don't live up to them. There is nothing so demoralizing as a boss who tolerates second rate work.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Ogilvy on Advertising, 1983
Leaders should set high standards and hold teams accountable; mediocrity erodes morale.
In simple terms: Demand excellence, punish mediocrity.
Key Takeaway
Enforce high standards consistently.
Themes
leadership
standards
accountability
Mood
critical
assertive
Type
leadership
management
When to use this quote
- business management
- team performance
- quality control
Key Concepts
organizational culture
motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance high standards with encouragement?
- When is leniency appropriate?
A Different Perspective
Too harsh standards can stifle creativity.
![“Why did people call it Hell?" I wondered. [...] No place was Hell, no place could be Hell. It's the people calling it Hell, that's the only thing that made it so. People just sticking names on places, so that no one could see those places properly anymore. [...] No, Hell wasn't anything to do with…” quote by John Marsden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2e4/john-marsden-3782_quote_why-did-people-call-it-hell-i-wondered-n_786530.jpg)
![“I remember Robin [Williams] walked up to me after the last take and said, "Thanks boss! We nailed it!" That will probably be one of the best moments of my life.” quote by Roberto Aguire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a52/roberto-aguire-69047_best-moments_i-remember-robin-williams-walked-up-to-m_10385.jpg)
