I knew Seyss-Inquart, and it was clear to me from the very beginning that he should get the Chancellorship. Then I named Kaltenbrunner for Security. I did not know Kaltenbrunner, and that is one of the two instances where the Fuehrer himself lended a hand by giving me a few names.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He recalls recommending Kaltenbrunner for Security, noting he did not know him well and had some help from Hitler.
- In plain terms
- He named Kaltenbrunner for a job without knowing him well, with a little help from Hitler.
- What can you take from it?
- Key appointments can rely on limited knowledge and external suggestions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is it wise to hire someone you do not know?
- What role does a leader play in appointments?
Another view
Limited knowledge of a candidate can lead to poor leadership choices.
More from Ernst Kaltenbrunner
Himmler should not have left Kaltenbrunner and others to be responsible for his misdeeds.
Permalink to quote #56 I have no knowledge of Kaltenbrunner's becoming particularly prominent in the public eye. I heard the name Kaltenbrunner for the first time when he appeared as…
Permalink to quote #58 Toward the end, about April 28, 1945, I saved Ravensbruck camp and two thousand French, two thousand Polish, and two thousand Jewish women from death. I evacua…
Permalink to quote #55
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