Adviser Quote by Geoff Mulgan
“Advisers who think that they are very clever while all around them are a bit thick, and that all the problems of the world would be solved if the thick listened to the clever, are liable to be disappointed.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Future of Public Policy, 2017
Overconfident advisers risk disappointment when their solutions ignore practical realities and diverse perspectives.
In simple terms: Cleverness without listening leads to failure.
Key Takeaway
Listen to varied viewpoints.
Themes
leadership
policy
humility
communication
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
strategic
analytical
When to use this quote
- government planning
- consulting
- team projects
Key Concepts
expertise
groupthink
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- How to balance expertise with humility?
- What mechanisms ensure diverse input?
A Different Perspective
Overconfidence can blind to flaws.
