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About this quote

What does it mean?
The subject is intelligent but lacks the resolve to act decisively under pressure.
In plain terms
He is smart but weak when things get tough.
What can you take from it?
Intelligence alone does not ensure strength of character.

Where it applies

  • leadership evaluation
  • team assessment
  • critique

Putting it to work

  • vetting leaders
  • assessing resilience

Questions to consider

  • Can someone be smart but weak?
  • What makes a strong leader?

Another view

It oversimplifies character into just smart or strong.

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