The elephant has a thick skin, a head full of ivory, and as everyone who has seen a circus parade knows, proceeds best by grasping the tail of its predecessor.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Organizations often rely on outdated methods and leadership structures rather than innovation.
- In plain terms
- Institutions keep following old leaders instead of moving forward.
- What can you take from it?
- Leadership should innovate, not just follow tradition.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When should you break from tradition?
- Does following leaders help or hurt?
Another view
Some traditions provide necessary stability and continuity.
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