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Mr. Llewellyn paused. Mr. Trout had begun to float about the room like something out of Swan Lake, and Mr. Llewellyn disapproved of this. He was apt to be a martinet in his dealings with his legal advisers, demanding that lawyers should behave like lawyers and leave eccentric dancing to the professionals. A man, he held, is either Fred Astaire or he is not Fred Astaire, and if he is not Fred Astaire he should not carry on like him.

Fred Astaire#49

IdentityProfessionalismBehaviorRoles

About this quote

What does it mean?
People should stay within their professional roles rather than imitate experts.
In plain terms
Lawyers should act like lawyers, not dancers.
What can you take from it?
Know your role and don't pretend to be someone else.

Where it applies

  • workplace conduct
  • social expectations
  • advice

Putting it to work

  • define roles
  • respect boundaries
  • be authentic

Questions to consider

  • Who decides appropriate behavior?
  • Can roles ever overlap?

Another view

Rigid role definitions can stifle creativity and individuality.

More from Fred Astaire

  1. 'There's nothing to beat these old English country houses.' said Charlie, becoming lyrical. 'All those parks and gardens and terraces and stuff. Makes you thin…

    Permalink to quote #48
  2. Grayce Llewellyn thought that with appropriate dietary restrictions, she and J Sheringham Adair could have Ivor Llewellyn looking like Fred Astaire.

    Permalink to quote #50
  3. But Adrian did not hear him. I have mentioned that during dinner, preoccupied with his thoughts, he had bolted his food. Nature now took its toll. An acute spa…

    Permalink to quote #47

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