WHAT I DON'T KNOW NOW

"Nothing is as new as something long forgotten."

German proverb

It is each new generation's right to feel as though only they discover new things.

As well their affliction.

THE MANAGER'S CREED?

"It is a pleasure to give advice, humiliating to need it, normal to ignore it."

Unknown

Were I to be cynical I'd say this applies to a lot of managers, possibly a small majority.

Were I to be.

EASIER TO BE THE REAL DEAL

"To give up pretensions is as blessed a relief as to get them ratified."

William James (1842-1910) American philosopher/psychologist

Much easier too.

Simply be whatever you really are as opposed to what you would have others believe you really are.

GENERATIONAL ARROGANCE

"The distinction between the past, present and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion."

Albert Einstein

20th century German-Swiss-U.S. scientist

The next time you feel your generation is unique, consider what Mr. Einstein might have said about that.

WHAT IF YOU'RE WRONG?

"Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world."

Arthur Schopenhauer

19th century German philosopher

Not sure that everyone does this or that those who do always do.

But even occasionally is too often.

Start by assuming what you believe to be true may not be.

I Work For (Fill In Your Company Name)

"The foolish sayings of a rich man pass for wise ones."

Spanish proverb

As well the foolish sayings of those who work for rich companies.

Simply working for a successful company does not itself make you successful.

Do I Look Like I Care?

"One must not attempt to justify them, but rather to sense their nature simply and clearly."

Albert Einstein

19th/20th century German/Swiss /US scientist

The second worst mistake a marketer can make is believing they must justify the needs and wants of their customers rather than simply accept them.

The worst mistake?

Not caring.

The Empty Suit

"Our greatest pretenses are built up not to hide the evil and the ugly in us, but our emptiness.  The hardest thing to hide is something that is not there."

Eric Hoffer

20th century American author/philosopher

Quality, capability, talent.

You know it when it is not there.

Managerial Empires

"An empire is an immense egotism."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

19th century American poet/essayist

You may have to manage a great number of people but you should never do so simply because you want to.

I Agree But You Certainly Don't Mean Me!

 "No one man is superior to the game."

A. Bartlett Giamatti

Past president of Yale University/Commissioner of Professional Baseball

I assume Mr. Giamatti was referring to baseball but I think this also applies to business.

I also believe there are a lot of business people who think they are the exception that proves the rule.

Managerial Arrogance: Justified?

"Early in life I, I had to choose between honest arrogance and hypocritical humility. I chose honest arrogance and have seen no occasions to change."

Frank Lloyd Wright
20th century American architect

When Mr. Wright (see the irony in his name given his statement?) said that, he had long since proved he could do as well if not better than he said he could do.

But what about the rest of us?

Is the case for your managerial ability based on what you've done, or what you say you will do?

Management Arrogance Versus Ignorance

"It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in an argument."

William G. McAdoo
Early 20th Century American Statesman

Mr. McAdoo should know. He was both a lawyer and a US Senator, and was no doubt involved in many arguments.

As are most all of us in business.

So how can you be certain when you are dealing with ignorance versus someone who is right to your wrong?