Discipline Quote by James C. Collins
““First, at the top levels of your organization, you absolutely must have the discipline not to hire until you find the right people. The single most harmful step you can take in a journey from good to great is to put the wrong people in key positions. Second, widen your definition of “right people” to focus more on the character attributes of the person and less on specialized knowledge. People can learn skills and acquire knowledge, but””
About This Quote
Source Book: Good to Great, Jim Collins, 2001
Hiring should focus on character and fit rather than just technical skills; wrong hires damage organizational progress.
In simple terms: Hire for character, not just expertise.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize character in hiring.
Themes
leadership
talent acquisition
organizational health
character
growth
Mood
analytical
practical
strategic
Type
business
leadership
human resources
When to use this quote
- executive recruitment
- team building
- leadership development
- performance management
- culture shaping
Key Concepts
human resources
psychology
organizational behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- What character traits matter most?
- How to assess character objectively?
A Different Perspective
Character alone may not fill skill gaps; balance is needed.
