Skip to content

Agree Quote by Richard Branson

“Perhaps, therefore, it is odd that if there is any one phrase that is guaranteed to set me off it's when someone says to me, 'OK, fine. You're the boss!' What irks me is that in 90% of such instances what that person is really saying is, 'OK, then, I don't agree with you, but I'll roll over and do…” quote by Richard Branson
Download Open image
“Perhaps, therefore, it is odd that if there is any one phrase that is guaranteed to set me off it's when someone says to me, 'OK, fine. You're the boss!' What irks me is that in 90% of such instances what that person is really saying is, 'OK, then, I don't agree with you, but I'll roll over and do it because you're telling me to. But if it doesn't work out I'll be the first to remind everyone that it wasn't my idea.'”

Richard Branson

About This Quote

Source Interview: Richard Branson, 2015, Business Insider

The speaker resents superficial agreement that masks hidden dissent, fearing later blame for failures.

In simple terms: Fake agreement hides true feelings and later blame.

Key Takeaway

Seek genuine dialogue, not empty compliance.

Themes

leadership integrity communication trust accountability

Mood

cautious reflective critical

Type

advisory reflective critical

When to use this quote

  • team meetings
  • project approvals
  • feedback sessions
  • leadership training
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

psychology of compliance organizational behavior authenticity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you encourage honest feedback?
  • What systems prevent hidden dissent?
A Different Perspective

People may still comply despite discomfort.

4.3 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Richard Branson

Explore all 805 Richard Branson quotes

More Agree quotes

Browse all 3,079 Agree quotes