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Boss Quote by Peter Drucker

“Never underrate the boss! The boss may look illiterate. He may look stupid. But there is no risk at all in overrating a boss. If you underrate him he will bitterly resent it or impute to you the deficiency in brains and knowledge you imputed to him.” quote by Peter Drucker
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“Never underrate the boss! The boss may look illiterate. He may look stupid. But there is no risk at all in overrating a boss. If you underrate him he will bitterly resent it or impute to you the deficiency in brains and knowledge you imputed to him.”

Peter Drucker

About This Quote

Source Book: The Effective Executive, Peter Drucker, 1966

Underestimating a superior can provoke resentment and accusations of incompetence, while overestimating them poses little risk.

In simple terms: Don’t undervalue your boss; it can backfire.

Key Takeaway

Treat leaders with respect to avoid conflict.

Themes

leadership respect communication

Mood

cautious professional

Type

advisory practical

When to use this quote

  • workplace meetings
  • performance reviews
  • team projects

Key Concepts

ego power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you balance respect with critical feedback?
  • How can you voice concerns without disrespect?
A Different Perspective

Overrating may lead to blind trust and missed warnings.

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