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About this quote

What does it mean?
Prefers a simple leader with clear purpose over a titled person with no substance.
In plain terms
Better a plain captain who knows his cause than a hollow gentleman.
What can you take from it?
Leadership values purpose over status.

Where it applies

  • military command
  • political leadership
  • team management

Putting it to work

  • lead with purpose
  • value substance over status
  • choose capable leaders

Questions to consider

  • What makes a leader good?
  • Does title matter?

Another view

Status and title can sometimes correlate with useful experience.

More from Oliver Cromwell

  1. If the remonstrance had been rejected I would have sold all I had the next morning and never have seen England more, and I know there are many other modest men…

    Permalink to quote #1
  2. A few honest men are better than numbers.

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. The State, in choosing men to serve it, takes no notice of their opinions. If they be willing faithfully to serve it, that satisfies.

    Permalink to quote #4

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