Associates Quote by Warren G. Bennis
“Encourage dissent: Leaders should have associates who have contrary views, who are devil's advocates, "variance sensors" who can tell them the difference between what is expected and what is really happening, between what they want to hear and what they need to hear. There are too many naked emperors running around today.”
About This Quote
Source Book: On Becoming a Leader, 1989
Leaders need dissenting voices to expose blind spots, prevent echo chambers, and ensure reality‑based decisions.
In simple terms: Encourage dissent for better decisions.
Key Takeaway
Seek contrary opinions regularly.
Themes
leadership
decision‑making
critical thinking
Mood
strategic
thought‑provoking
Type
leadership
organizational
When to use this quote
- board meetings
- product design
- policy drafting
- crisis management
Key Concepts
devil’s advocate
variance sensors
cognitive diversity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance dissent with decisive action?
- Who can serve as your reliable “variance sensor”?
A Different Perspective
Too many dissenters can stall action if not managed.
![“This does not mean that the profession is about to abandon Darwin forever or indorse [sic] my views publicly. The situation remains much as it was: the inner circles are full of doubt, but the public utterances are confident. The doubts may be greater now and the confidence less serene, but it…” quote by Norman Macbeth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7bf/norman-macbeth-47158_abandon_this-does-not-mean-that-the-profession-i_1631513.jpg)
![“The young man [Turgot] destined for an ecclesiastical career was placed within walls carefully designed to keep out all currents of new thought; his studies, his reading, his professors, his associates, all were combined to keep from him any results of observation or reflection save those…” quote by Andrew Dickson White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d4/andrew-dickson-white-24254_associates_the-young-man-turgot-destined-for-an-ecc_3146.jpg)
