“A major flaw in our system of government, and even in industry, is the latitude allowed to do less than is necessary. Too often, officials are willing to accept and adapt to situations they know to be wrong. The tendency is to down-play problems instead of actively trying to correct them. Recognizing this, many subordinates give up, contain their views within themselves, and wait for others to take action. When this happens, the manager is deprived of the experience and ideas of subordinates, who generally are more knowledgeable than he in their particular areas.”
Admiral, Rickover, H. G. (November 5, 1981), Doing a job [Speech made at the 1981 Egleston Medal Award Dinner, Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science, New York]
