“I’m not the smartest fellow in the world, but I can sure pick smart colleagues.”
- January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945
- American
- Politician
- [Achievements]
- As president of the United States, he promoted economic recovery from the Great Depression with the New Deal policy
- He led the Allied powers to victory in World War II
- [Criticism]
- His hard-line policy toward Japan triggered the attack on Pearl Harbor
- He pushed for the forced internment policy of Japanese Americans due to racist feelings toward the Japanese
- He promoted the Manhattan Project, a plan to develop the atomic bomb
Quote
“I’m not the smartest fellow in the world, but I can sure pick smart colleagues.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt expresses humility about his own intelligence, while highlighting his strength as a leader in surrounding himself with talented, knowledgeable people. Roosevelt recognized that effective leadership is not about having all the answers or being the most brilliant person in the room, but about collaborating with and empowering others who bring expertise and insight to the table. This reflects his belief in the value of teamwork and the importance of building a diverse group of advisors to solve complex problems. During his presidency, Roosevelt surrounded himself with capable individuals who helped him navigate the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II. His ability to delegate, trust, and collaborate with a wide range of experts was a key factor in his success.
Roosevelt’s statement also underscores the importance of leadership through humility. By acknowledging that he may not have all the answers, he demonstrates a willingness to learn from others and value their contributions. This quality is particularly important in times of crisis, where decisions must often be based on the collective wisdom of a strong team rather than the ideas of one individual alone. Roosevelt’s leadership style was grounded in consensus-building and listening, rather than dictating solutions, which made his administration more resilient and effective.
In today’s context, this quote is a reminder that great leaders are often those who surround themselves with diverse expertise and are willing to rely on the knowledge and skills of others. Whether in business, politics, or other fields, effective leadership involves recognizing the strengths of others, fostering collaboration, and creating an environment where everyone’s talents can contribute to achieving common goals. Roosevelt’s words emphasize that humble leadership, rooted in the ability to select and work with capable individuals, is essential for success.
