---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When decisions were finally made, they…"
description: "\"“When decisions were finally made, they had generally been vetted by so many parties that no one person could be held accountable.”\" — Gary L. Neilson"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fe4/gary-l-neilson-58164_quote_when-decisions-were-finally-made-they-ha_2029445.jpg"
---

#  When decisions were finally made, they had generally been…

![“When decisions were finally made, they had generally been vetted by so many parties that no one person could be held accountable.” quote by Gary L. Neilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fe4/gary-l-neilson-58164_quote_when-decisions-were-finally-made-they-ha_2029445.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fe4/gary-l-neilson-58164_quote_when-decisions-were-finally-made-they-ha_2029445.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fe4/gary-l-neilson-58164_quote_when-decisions-were-finally-made-they-ha_2029445.jpg)

> ““When decisions were finally made, they had generally been vetted by so many parties that no one person could be held accountable.””

[Gary L. Neilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-l-neilson/)

## About This Quote

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

Decision processes become so diffuse that responsibility is lost, making accountability impossible.

**In simple terms:** Too many reviewers erase personal accountability.

Key Takeaway

Simplify decision chains to retain ownership.

Themes

accountability decisionmaking leadership

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

advisory reflective

When to use this quote

- corporate meetings
- project approvals
- policy drafting

Key Concepts

organizational behavior governance

Questions to Reflect On

- How can we balance thorough review with clear responsibility?
- What structures ensure accountability?

A Different Perspective

Complex issues may still need multiple inputs.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Decisions Finally](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/decisions-finally-3718564/) [Generally Vetted](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/generally-vetted-3718563/) [Held Accountable](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/held-accountable-387074/) [Vetted](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vetted-3408964/) [Vetted Parties](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vetted-parties-3718562/)

## Related quotes

> [As a member of Congress and former member of the military, I know from firsthand experience there is a big difference between being elected…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-mast/as-a-member-of-congress-and-former-member-of-the-military-i-know-from/)

[Brian Mast](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-mast/)

> [I have no problem with being vetted. What I do have a problem with is being lied about and then putting that as truth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-carson/i-have-no-problem-with-being-vetted-what-i-do-have-a-problem-with-is/)

[Benjamin Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-carson/)

> [“In the Narcisstic parent’s eyes, they do no wrong nor do they feel they should be held accountable for the bad and wrong things…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/katherine-childress/in-the-narcisstic-parent-s-eyes-they-do-no-wrong-nor-do-they-feel/)

[Katherine Childress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/katherine-childress/)

> [Politicians can and should be held accountable for their choices.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shaun-king/politicians-can-and-should-be-held-accountable-for-their-choices/)

[Shaun King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shaun-king/)

> [“It wouldn’t be right to have a responsibility and be held accountable for a job without having the authority to do it. Imagine”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-wendorf/it-wouldn-t-be-right-to-have-a-responsibility-and-be-held-accountable/)

[Bob Wendorf](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-wendorf/)

> [“Setting task-oriented objectives provides a mental framework where we are held accountable for what we have control over.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/craig-manning/setting-task-oriented-objectives-provides-a-mental-framework-where-we/)

[Craig Manning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/craig-manning/)

> [The thing about this sport is you will be held accountable for your words come a certain date.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/travis-browne/the-thing-about-this-sport-is-you-will-be-held-accountable-for-your/)

[Travis Browne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/travis-browne/)

> [“You cannot run a scociety or cope with it’s problems if people are not held accountable for what they do.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-leo/you-cannot-run-a-scociety-or-cope-with-it-s-problems-if-people-are/)

[John Leo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leo/)

> [I feel like I'm held more accountable to stay healthy now because now I'm a role model to young girls to not have eating…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/demi-lovato/i-feel-like-i-m-held-more-accountable-to-stay-healthy-now-because-now/)

[Demi Lovato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/demi-lovato/)

> [If we don't prosecute war criminals, what's the next horrible thing they can do? As anyone knows, if you're not held accountable, you think…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodie-evans/if-we-don-t-prosecute-war-criminals-what-s-the-next-horrible-thing/)

[Jodie Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodie-evans/)

> [If we hold the married man accountable for finances gone legally awry, then the married woman should be held accountable for children who go…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-farrell/if-we-hold-the-married-man-accountable-for-finances-gone-legally-awry/)

[Warren Farrell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-farrell/)

> [The whole reason we organize grassroots is, we think any politician that gets elected needs to be held accountable 365 days a year.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-matthews/the-whole-reason-we-organize-grassroots-is-we-think-any-politician/)

[Chris Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-matthews/)

> [In conflict zones in particular, we need personnel who wear the badge of the United States, are a part of our official military command,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jan-schakowsky/in-conflict-zones-in-particular-we-need-personnel-who-wear-the-badge/)

[Jan Schakowsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jan-schakowsky/)

> [I love the way business works, when there's a crisis or a scandal, there is blood on the floor. Somebody pays, people are held…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzy-welch/i-love-the-way-business-works-when-there-s-a-crisis-or-a-scandal/)

[Suzy Welch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzy-welch/)

> [When you're in a relationship, please believe that you are held accountable for every feeling felt, word spoken, and heart broken.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/raghib-clitso/when-you-re-in-a-relationship-please-believe-that-you-are-held/)

[Raghib Clitso](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/raghib-clitso/)

## More by Gary L. Neilson

> [“Every one strengthens one or more of the building blocks executives can use to improve their strategy-execution capability: clarifying decision rights, improving information, establishing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-l-neilson/every-one-strengthens-one-or-more-of-the-building-blocks-executives/)

[Gary L. Neilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-l-neilson/)

> [“As long as companies continue to attack their execution problems primarily or solely with structural or motivational initiatives, they will continue to fail. As…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-l-neilson/as-long-as-companies-continue-to-attack-their-execution-problems/)

[Gary L. Neilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-l-neilson/)

> [“Rational decisions are necessarily bounded by the information available to employees. If managers don’t understand what it will cost to capture an incremental dollar…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-l-neilson/rational-decisions-are-necessarily-bounded-by-the-information/)

[Gary L. Neilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-l-neilson/)

> [“Research by Neilson, Martin, and Powers shows that execution exemplars focus their efforts on two levers far more powerful than structural change: • Clarifying…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-l-neilson/research-by-neilson-martin-and-powers-shows-that-execution-exemplars/)

[Gary L. Neilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-l-neilson/)

> [“The four building blocks that managers can use to improve strategy execution—decision rights, information, structure, and motivators—are inextricably linked.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-l-neilson/the-four-building-blocks-that-managers-can-use-to-improve-strategy/)

[Gary L. Neilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-l-neilson/)

[Explore all 6 Gary L. Neilson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-l-neilson/)

## More Held Accountable quotes

> [When you're in a relationship, please believe that you are held accountable for every feeling felt, word spoken, and heart broken.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/raghib-clitso/when-you-re-in-a-relationship-please-believe-that-you-are-held/)

[Raghib Clitso](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/raghib-clitso/)

> [I love the way business works, when there's a crisis or a scandal, there is blood on the floor. Somebody pays, people are held…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzy-welch/i-love-the-way-business-works-when-there-s-a-crisis-or-a-scandal/)

[Suzy Welch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzy-welch/)

> [In conflict zones in particular, we need personnel who wear the badge of the United States, are a part of our official military command,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jan-schakowsky/in-conflict-zones-in-particular-we-need-personnel-who-wear-the-badge/)

[Jan Schakowsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jan-schakowsky/)

> [The whole reason we organize grassroots is, we think any politician that gets elected needs to be held accountable 365 days a year.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-matthews/the-whole-reason-we-organize-grassroots-is-we-think-any-politician/)

[Chris Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-matthews/)

> [If we hold the married man accountable for finances gone legally awry, then the married woman should be held accountable for children who go…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-farrell/if-we-hold-the-married-man-accountable-for-finances-gone-legally-awry/)

[Warren Farrell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-farrell/)

> [If we don't prosecute war criminals, what's the next horrible thing they can do? As anyone knows, if you're not held accountable, you think…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodie-evans/if-we-don-t-prosecute-war-criminals-what-s-the-next-horrible-thing/)

[Jodie Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodie-evans/)

> [I feel like I'm held more accountable to stay healthy now because now I'm a role model to young girls to not have eating…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/demi-lovato/i-feel-like-i-m-held-more-accountable-to-stay-healthy-now-because-now/)

[Demi Lovato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/demi-lovato/)

> [“You cannot run a scociety or cope with it’s problems if people are not held accountable for what they do.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-leo/you-cannot-run-a-scociety-or-cope-with-it-s-problems-if-people-are/)

[John Leo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-leo/)

> [The thing about this sport is you will be held accountable for your words come a certain date.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/travis-browne/the-thing-about-this-sport-is-you-will-be-held-accountable-for-your/)

[Travis Browne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/travis-browne/)

> [“Setting task-oriented objectives provides a mental framework where we are held accountable for what we have control over.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/craig-manning/setting-task-oriented-objectives-provides-a-mental-framework-where-we/)

[Craig Manning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/craig-manning/)

> [“It wouldn’t be right to have a responsibility and be held accountable for a job without having the authority to do it. Imagine”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-wendorf/it-wouldn-t-be-right-to-have-a-responsibility-and-be-held-accountable/)

[Bob Wendorf](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-wendorf/)

> [Politicians can and should be held accountable for their choices.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shaun-king/politicians-can-and-should-be-held-accountable-for-their-choices/)

[Shaun King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shaun-king/)

> [“In the Narcisstic parent’s eyes, they do no wrong nor do they feel they should be held accountable for the bad and wrong things…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/katherine-childress/in-the-narcisstic-parent-s-eyes-they-do-no-wrong-nor-do-they-feel/)

[Katherine Childress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/katherine-childress/)

> [As players we're held accountable for poor performance, I think the same should be said for journalists.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-j-mccollum/as-players-we-re-held-accountable-for-poor-performance-i-think-the/)

[C. J. McCollum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-j-mccollum/)

> [It's time for men to be held accountable when they make women feel uncomfortable or do things out of line.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/logan-browning/it-s-time-for-men-to-be-held-accountable-when-they-make-women-feel/)

[Logan Browning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/logan-browning/)

[Browse all 116 Held Accountable quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/held-accountable-387074/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "“When decisions were finally made, they had generally been vetted by so many parties that no one person could be held accountable.”",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Gary L. Neilson"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-l-neilson/when-decisions-were-finally-made-they-had-generally-been-vetted-by-so/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Held Accountable"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-l-neilson/when-decisions-were-finally-made-they-had-generally-been-vetted-by-so/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fe4/gary-l-neilson-58164_quote_when-decisions-were-finally-made-they-ha_2029445.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fe4/gary-l-neilson-58164_quote_when-decisions-were-finally-made-they-ha_2029445.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fe4/gary-l-neilson-58164_quote_when-decisions-were-finally-made-they-ha_2029445.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“When decisions were finally made, they had generally been vetted by so many parties that no one person could…” — Gary L. Neilson",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Gary L. Neilson",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-l-neilson/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "“When decisions were finally made, they...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-l-neilson/when-decisions-were-finally-made-they-had-generally-been-vetted-by-so/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-l-neilson/when-decisions-were-finally-made-they-had-generally-been-vetted-by-so/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
