---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To whom one reports is a unit of measure…"
description: "\"To whom one reports is a unit of measure. It measures the exact distance between the player and the center of power. It is the closest we can get to a ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b3/lynda-obst-19638_answers_to-whom-one-reports-is-a-unit-of-measure_732211.jpg"
---

#  To whom one reports is a unit of measure. It measures the…

![“To whom one reports is a unit of measure. It measures the exact distance between the player and the center of power. It is the closest we can get to a calibrated answer to the question 'How big am I?' More than the size of an executive's office or even his title, which no one remembers anyway, the…” quote by Lynda Obst](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b3/lynda-obst-19638_answers_to-whom-one-reports-is-a-unit-of-measure_732211.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b3/lynda-obst-19638_answers_to-whom-one-reports-is-a-unit-of-measure_732211.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b3/lynda-obst-19638_answers_to-whom-one-reports-is-a-unit-of-measure_732211.jpg)

> “To whom one reports is a unit of measure. It measures the exact distance between the player and the center of power. It is the closest we can get to a calibrated answer to the question 'How big am I?' More than the size of an executive's office or even his title, which no one remembers anyway, the fewer people between the player and a 'yes,' the more powerful he is.”

[Lynda Obst](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lynda-obst/)

## About This Quote

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

Power is measured by proximity to decision‑makers; fewer intermediaries mean greater influence, regardless of title.

**In simple terms:** Closeness to authority equals power.

Key Takeaway

Build direct relationships.

Themes

leadership influence networking hierarchy

Mood

analytical strategic

Type

business philosophical

When to use this quote

- career advancement
- political lobbying
- team management

Key Concepts

social capital organizational structure authority dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you increase direct access?
- What limits exist in hierarchical systems?

A Different Perspective

Relying solely on proximity may ignore competence.

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