Enemy Quote by Michael Lewis
“It is far better to keep the enemy close, by bribing him with stock options, than to have him out in the wild, foraging.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Big Short”, 2010
Keeping rivals close via incentives can control them better than letting them roam free
In simple terms: Use strategic incentives to manage competitors
Key Takeaway
Align interests to reduce risk
Themes
strategy
incentives
competition
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
business
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- stock options
- corporate governance
Key Concepts
economics
behavioral finance
Questions to Reflect On
- What incentives could you offer a rival?
- When might this approach fail?
A Different Perspective
Incentives may backfire if misaligned
![“Crucial decisions are made, today as thousands of years ago, in terms of the intuitive guesses and preferences of a few men in positions of authority...[it is] quite likely that the fate of entire societies may be sealed by a series of avoidable mistakes committed by their leaders.” quote by Michael Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a59/michael-lewis-705_decision-making_crucial-decisions-are-made-today-as-thou_16888.jpg)
