General motors Quote by Paul B. Carroll and Chunka Mui
““Alfred P. Sloan, the legendary builder of General Motors, once said to a meeting of one of his top committees, 'Gentlemen, I take it we are all in complete agreement on the decision here?' Everyone around the table nodded. 'Then,' Sloan continued, 'I propose we postpone further discussion of this matter until our next meeting to give ourselves time to develop disagreement and perhaps gain some understanding of what the decision is all about””
About This Quote
Sloan suggests postponing discussion to let disagreement surface, fostering deeper understanding before deciding.
In simple terms: Delay decisions to let disagreement emerge.
Use pauses to clarify viewpoints.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- board meetings
- team discussions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is postponement productive?
- How to balance speed and reflection?
May stall progress if overused.