Life Quote by Len Deighton
““It doesn’t take much to make the daily round with one’s employer work smoothly. A couple of ‘yessirs’ when you know that ‘not on your life’ is the thing to say. A few expressions of doubt about things you’ve spent your life perfecting. Forgetting to make use of the information that negates his hastily formed but deliciously convenient theories. It doesn’t take much but it takes about 98.5 per cent more than I’ve ever considered giving””
About This Quote
Source Book: The IPCRESS File by Len Deighton, 1962
Workplace efficiency often hinges on small gestures of respect and openness, while dismissing expertise and ignoring contrary data undermine productivity.
In simple terms: Respect and openness boost work flow; ignoring expertise harms it.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate respectful communication and value expertise.
Themes
workplace dynamics
communication
expertise
decision making
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
advice
observational
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- performance reviews
- project planning
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology of authority
organizational behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance respect with constructive criticism?
- What systems ensure expertise is heard?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on politeness can mask deeper issues and prevent honest critique.
