It is a human inclination to hope things will work out, despite evidence or doubt to the contrary. A successful manager must resist this temptation. This is particularly hard if one has invested much time and energy on a project and thus has come to feel possessive about it. Although it is not easy to admit what a person once thought correct now appears to be wrong, one must discipline himself to face the facts objectively and make the necessary changes - regardless of the consequences to himself. The man in charge must personally set the example in this respect. He must be able, in effect, to 'kill his own child' if necessary and must require his subordinates to do likewise.

What it takes to do a job will not be learned from management courses. It is principally a matter of experience, the proper attitude, and common sense - none o…

When doing a job - any job - one must feel that he owns it, and act as though he will remain in that job forever. He must look after his work just as conscient…

The man in charge must concern himself with details. If he does not consider them important, neither will his subordinates. Yet 'the devil is in the details.' …

At least half of my life's many mistakes can be safely put down to impetuosity: the other half derive from inertia.

Nothing is as simple as we hope it will be.

You may think, passer-by, that Fate Is a pit-fall outside of yourself, Around which you may walk by the use of foresight And wisdom.