Career Quote by Sam Donaldson
“I'd rather work with someone who's good at their job but doesn't like me, than someone who likes me but is a ninny.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: TV News Segment, 1998
Work with competent but unfriendly people is preferable to incompetent but friendly ones.
In simple terms: Competence outweighs personal likability.
Choose skill over friendship in professional settings.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- hiring decisions
- project collaborations
- manager-employee interactions
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it better to be liked or to be effective?
- How can teams balance competence and morale?
Friendliness can mask lack of ability, leading to poor outcomes.