Fitness Quote by Ed Catmull
““I’ve always been intrigued, for example, by the way that many people use the analogy of a train to describe their companies. Massive and powerful, the train moves inexorably down the track, over mountains and across vast plains, through the densest fog and darkest night. When things go wrong, we talk of getting “derailed” and of experiencing a “train wreck.” And I’ve heard people refer to Pixar’s production group as a finely tuned locomotive that they would love the chance to drive. What interests me is the number of people who believe that they have the ability to drive the train and who think that this is the power position—that driving the train is the way to shape their companies’ futures. The truth is, it’s not. Driving the train doesn’t set its course. The real job is laying the track.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Pixar Leadership Talk, 2014
Leadership is about shaping the underlying structure, not just steering existing momentum.
In simple terms: Real influence is building the path, not just driving the vehicle.
Key Takeaway
Focus on designing systems, not just managing outcomes.
Themes
leadership
strategy
systems thinking
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- product development
- company culture
- process improvement
- team alignment
Key Concepts
organizational design
infrastructure
agency
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you identify the tracks that need building?
- What structures limit your ability to shape outcomes?
A Different Perspective
Driving without a track leads to chaos and misdirection.
