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About this quote

What does it mean?
Success is framed as requiring ruthlessness, though the author jokes it is not.
In plain terms
People think you need to kill to get to the top.
What can you take from it?
Success often rewards aggression over ethics.

Where it applies

  • career strategy
  • leadership ethics
  • business advice

Putting it to work

  • analyze success costs
  • choose ethical paths

Questions to consider

  • What do you sacrifice?
  • Does ruthlessness pay?

Another view

Many leaders succeed through collaboration and integrity.

More from Douglas Coupland

  1. People who advocate simplicity have money in the bank; the money came first, not the simplicity. (from inside the cover)

    Permalink to quote #66
  2. Don't you get an empty feeling in your soul when you have a blank to-do list?

    Permalink to quote #68
  3. The heart of a man is like deep water.

    Permalink to quote #65

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