---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: An order then should always be given not…"
description: "\"An order then should always be given not as a personal matter, not because the man giving it wants the thing done, but because it is the demand of the ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3aa/mary-parker-follett-7967_carrie_an-order-then-should-always-be-given-not_495733.jpg"
---

#  An order then should always be given not as a personal…

![“An order then should always be given not as a personal matter, not because the man giving it wants the thing done, but because it is the demand of the situation. And an order of this kind carries weight because it is the demand of the situation.” quote by Mary Parker Follett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3aa/mary-parker-follett-7967_carrie_an-order-then-should-always-be-given-not_495733.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3aa/mary-parker-follett-7967_carrie_an-order-then-should-always-be-given-not_495733.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3aa/mary-parker-follett-7967_carrie_an-order-then-should-always-be-given-not_495733.jpg)

> “An order then should always be given not as a personal matter, not because the man giving it wants the thing done, but because it is the demand of the situation. And an order of this kind carries weight because it is the demand of the situation.”

[Mary Parker Follett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-parker-follett/)

## About This Quote

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

Orders should arise from situational necessity, not personal preference, giving them authority.

**In simple terms:** Orders must be situation‑driven.

Key Takeaway

Follow orders that match the situation’s demands.

Themes

leadership decision‑making authority context organizational behavior

Mood

thoughtful analytical pragmatic

Type

management philosophical

When to use this quote

- management meetings
- crisis response
- team coordination
- project planning

Key Concepts

situational leadership organizational dynamics ethical authority

Questions to Reflect On

- When should a leader adapt an order to new information?
- How to balance authority with collaborative input?

A Different Perspective

Rigid orders can stifle creativity; flexibility may be needed.

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