Business Quote by Tom Peters
“Formula for success: Underpromise and overachieve.”
About This Quote
Source Book: In Search of Excellence, 1982
Success comes from modest expectations paired with exceeding them, creating surprise and trust from stakeholders
In simple terms: Underpromise and overdeliver leads to success
Key Takeaway
Set realistic goals and exceed them
Themes
business
performance
leadership
expectations
trust
Mood
optimistic
pragmatic
motivational
Type
business
leadership
When to use this quote
- product launches
- service delivery
- team projects
Key Concepts
Strategic planning
customer satisfaction
reputation management
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance humility with ambition?
- What systems ensure consistent overachievement?
A Different Perspective
Overpromising can damage credibility if not managed
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)