“The best executive is one who has sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”
- October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919
- American
- Politician, military officer
- Served as the 26th President of the United States, promoted progressive reforms and environmental conservation policies, and supported the construction of the Panama Canal
Quote
“The best executive is one who has sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Roosevelt emphasizes the importance of delegation and trust in effective leadership. He argues that the hallmark of a great executive is not micromanaging but rather having the wisdom to choose competent people and then allowing them the freedom to execute their tasks without interference. By selecting the right individuals for a job and giving them the autonomy to carry out their work, a leader can achieve greater success than through constant oversight. Roosevelt advocates for a leadership style rooted in confidence in others’ abilities and self-restraint, knowing when to step back and allow the team to take ownership of their responsibilities.
This idea reflects Roosevelt’s own leadership approach. As president, he often worked with skilled advisors and trusted experts in various fields, allowing them to carry out their responsibilities without constant intervention. Whether in his administration’s trust-busting efforts or his work on conservation, Roosevelt believed in giving his team the tools they needed to succeed while stepping in only when necessary. His leadership style was marked by decisiveness and a belief in the strength of a capable team.
In modern management and leadership practices, this quote is highly relevant, especially in corporate or organizational settings. The idea of empowering teams and fostering an environment where individuals can take initiative without excessive supervision is central to building high-performing organizations. By recruiting talented people and trusting them to do their jobs, leaders can create a culture of responsibility and innovation, leading to better outcomes for both the team and the larger organization. Roosevelt’s emphasis on trust and self-restraint in leadership serves as a timeless reminder of the power of effective delegation.
