Washington's appointments, when president, were made with a view to gather all the talent of the country in support of the national government; and he bore many things which were personally disagreeable in an endeavor to do this.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Leaders should appoint skilled people to support the state, even if personally difficult.
- In plain terms
- Prioritize national talent over personal comfort in appointments.
- What can you take from it?
- Choose competence over personal likability.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who do you appoint for skill or comfort?
- How do you handle disagreeable allies?
Another view
Personal dynamics can affect team cohesion.
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George Washington is one of the beacons placed at intervals along the highroad of history.
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Permalink to quote #141 '[Washington was] a total stranger to religious prejudices, which have so often excited Christians of one denomination to cut the throats of those of another.
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