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I know of no limitation placed on Kaltenbrunner's authority as Chief of the Security Police and SD (RSHA). He promptly entered upon the duties of the office and assumed direct charge of the office and control over the Amts. He made it very clear in his official relations with all of us who were his Amt Chiefs that he was the head of the office exercising full executive powers and deciding all matters of policy. He permitted us to issue directives within the organization in our own names pursuant to fixed policies established by him, but all important matters had to be submitted to him whether he signed them or we signed them. He was constantly informed of all matters of importance which went on in the entire organization.

Ernst Kaltenbrunner#51

LeadershipAuthorityControlSecurityHierarchyOrganization

About this quote

What does it mean?
Kaltenbrunner asserts absolute executive control over the RSHA, requiring all significant decisions to pass through him.
In plain terms
He made sure he was the only person with final say in the organization.
What can you take from it?
Centralize authority to maintain strict operational control.

Where it applies

  • organizational management
  • leadership transitions
  • policy making

Putting it to work

  • define reporting lines
  • centralize decision making
  • clarify roles

Questions to consider

  • How much authority should a single leader retain?
  • Does clear hierarchy improve efficiency?

Another view

Extreme centralization can slow down operations and create bottlenecks.

More from Ernst Kaltenbrunner

  1. My having direct access to Himmler was the worst thorn in Kaltenbrunner's flesh. My limited interest in nicotine and alcohol was another thing which infuriated…

    Permalink to quote #50
  2. If you knew my personal feelings about Himmler and Kaltenbrunner, or rather the feelings between us, you would know that I was glad to be through with my own w…

    Permalink to quote #52
  3. Kaltenbrunner had great personal weaknesses; above all he drank, which in itself was enough to damn him in the eyes of Heydrich, who of course exploited this w…

    Permalink to quote #49

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