Decision Quote by James C. Collins
“I've never found an important decision made by a great organization that was made at a point of unanimity. Significant decisions carry risks and inevitably some will oppose it. In these settings, the great legislative leader must be artful in handling uncomfortable decisions, and this requires rigor.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins, 2001
Great organizations rarely reach crucial decisions when everyone agrees; dissent signals risk and the need for careful leadership.
In simple terms: Decisions with risk need dissent and careful handling.
Key Takeaway
Embrace dissent and apply rigorous analysis.
Themes
leadership
decisionmaking
risk
dissent
governance
Mood
reflective
serious
analytical
Type
advice
leadership
strategic
When to use this quote
- board meetings
- policy formulation
- crisis response
- strategic planning
Key Concepts
organizational behavior
strategic rigor
political skill
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you encourage constructive dissent?
- When should a leader override consensus?
A Different Perspective
Unanimity can mask hidden flaws and suppress valuable perspectives.
