Value Execution Over Perfection
StrategyA functional, completed project is superior to a perfect plan that remains on paper, even if the process of building it was messy.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Hall of Masters
Winston Churchill
윈스턴 처칠
Leaders in history and crisis1874-1965
British prime minister during World War II; writer and Nobel laureate
1,054 records in all
- Principles 352
- Episodes 280
- Quotes 422
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Photo: Yousuf Karsh / Library and Archives Canada Public domain Original cropped
Principles
53 basic records of 352
Principles are our summary of their public statements.
Plan for long term growth
StrategyInitial infrastructure and location choices should account for future expansion, as early mistakes in positioning become permanent and costly to fix.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Balance optimism with realism
MindsetOne must acknowledge the 'rude reverse' of any promising opportunity to ensure long-term sustainability and health.
Supporting quotes
These second thoughts err, no doubt, as much on the side of extravagant depression as the first impression was over-sanguine.
Source Winston Churchill My African Journey, 1908 (opens in a new tab)
2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Maintain constant vigilance
ManagementInfrastructure and progress require ceaseless maintenance, as neglect allows natural or competitive forces to quickly reclaim any gains.
Supporting quotes
Iron roads, not jogging porters; tireless engines, not weary men; cheap power, not cheap labour; steam and skill, not sweat and fumbling: there lies the only way to tame the jungle
Source Winston Churchill My African Journey, 1908 (opens in a new tab)
2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Beware of deceptive beauty
RiskA location or opportunity that looks perfect on the surface may hide systemic risks that make long-term success impossible.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Address root causes of friction
StrategyWhen environmental factors like disease or insects hinder progress, ruthless structural changes are required to clear the path for operations.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Respect local morale boosters
ManagementLeaders should not suppress the natural rhythms or rituals that workers use to maintain their spirits, even if those rituals seem inefficient or noisy.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Education as Foundation
LearningA country's progress is built on an educational system that teaches both basic literacy and advanced technical skills.
Supporting quotes
It is not easy to convey the air of honest fun and good humour which pervaded these curious performances, or to measure the intellectual progress which the attitude of the Baganda towards them implied.
Source Winston Churchill My African Journey, 1907 (opens in a new tab)
2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Consider every outlandish idea
StrategyNever dismiss an idea just because it seems strange or unconventional; evaluate it with both curiosity and critical judgment.
Prioritize Action Over Criticism
MindsetIt is more valuable to be the one taking action and creating results than to be the one observing and critiquing others.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Protect the human resource
LeadershipThe stamina and honor of a nation or organization are squandered when the basic needs and safety of its people are ignored.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Value collective protection
NegotiationIndividuals are often defenseless against large powers and should associate with organizations to protect their interests.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Prioritize speed in resolution
DecisionsUtilize all available tools to bring a speedy end to disorder and minimize long-term loss of life through moral effect.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Reject false neutrality
LeadershipWhen faced with a clear threat or crisis, one should not remain impartial but must actively support the solution.
Supporting quotes
I decline utterly to be impartial as between the fire brigade and the fire.
Source Winston Churchill Wikiquote: Winston Churchill, 1926 (opens in a new tab)
2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Learn from curated wisdom
LearningStudying books of quotations can provide a foundation of good thoughts and inspire deeper reading of great authors.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Reject complacency in youth
CareerYoung people should actively take responsibility and advance against new challenges rather than being content with the status quo.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Accept reality without fear
ResilienceOne should face life's dangers and uncertainties with a calm acceptance of events as they unfold, trusting that resilience leads to success.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Execute Once the Decision is Made
ManagementEven if one disagrees with a plan, once it becomes official policy, the focus should shift toward making it a success rather than dwelling on opposition.
Supporting quotes
There ought to be a few members of the House of Commons who are in a sufficiently independent position to confront both Ministers and electors with unpalatable truths.
Source Winston Churchill Wikiquote: Winston Churchill, 1935 (opens in a new tab)
2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Absolute responsibility for safety
LeadershipThe responsibility for public safety is absolute and does not require a specific mandate or election to act.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Value Practical Field Experience
LearningThe most indispensable education comes from the rough and practical experience of competing in the real world.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
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