“You have to be fast on your feet and adaptive or else a strategy is useless.”
- November 22, 1890 – November 9, 1970
- French
- Military Leader, Statesman, President of France, Founder of the Fifth Republic
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Quote
“You have to be fast on your feet and adaptive or else a strategy is useless.”
Explanation
This quote, often attributed to Charles de Gaulle, emphasizes the vital importance of flexibility in leadership and planning. A strategy, no matter how brilliant, becomes ineffective if it cannot respond to changing circumstances. By saying one must be “fast on your feet,” de Gaulle invokes the image of nimble, responsive leadership—a quality that becomes crucial in both military and political arenas.
De Gaulle’s military background and his experience during World War II and the decolonization era shaped this mindset. He understood that rigid adherence to a plan could lead to disaster, especially in complex environments where new challenges arise unexpectedly. For instance, his decision to lead the Free French government in exile and later reform France’s political system reflected not just bold vision, but an ability to pivot when existing systems failed.
In today’s rapidly evolving world—characterized by technological disruption, political upheaval, and global crises—the quote serves as a timeless principle. Whether in business, governance, or personal life, success often depends less on having a perfect plan and more on the ability to adjust, respond, and evolve. De Gaulle’s insight reminds us that strategic brilliance is meaningless without adaptability.
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