Robert I. Sutton

difference treat powerless powerful persom

“the difference between how a person treats the powerless versus the powerful is as good a measure of human character as I know.”

― Robert I. Sutton

listen supervision act fake worse anything

“Listen to those under your supervision. Really listen. Don’t act as if you’re listening and let it go in one ear and out the other. Faking it is worse than not doing it at all.”

― Robert I. Sutton

assholes stick together separated

“Assholes tend to stick together, and once stuck are not easily separated.”

― Robert I. Sutton

people capacity worn work worry sleep decision

“People also have a greater capacity when they aren’t worn down by work and worry. When people get enough sleep, they are more adept at difficult tasks, are more interpersonally sensitive, make better decisions, and are less likely to turn nasty.”

― Robert I. Sutton

talent employee need colleague company dangerous

“talented employees who put their needs ahead of their colleagues and the company are dangerous.”

― Robert I. Sutton

11 commanments boss

“THE 11 COMMANDMENTS FOR WISE BOSSES

• 1. Have strong opinions and weakly held beliefs.

  2. Do not treat others as if they are idiots.

  3. Listen attentively to your people; don’t just pretend to hear what they say.

  4. Ask a lot of good questions.

  5. Ask others for help and gratefully accept their assistance.

  6. Do not hesitate to say, ‘I don’t know’.

  7. Forgive people when they fail, remember the lessons, and teach them to everyone.

  8. Fight as if you are right, and listen as if you are wrong.

  9. Do not hold grudges after losing an argument. Instead, help the victors implement their ideas with all your might.

  10. Know your foibles and flaws, and work with people who correct and compensate for your weaknesses.

  11. Express gratitude to your people.”

― Robert I. Sutton

weird idea innovation three

“weird ideas spark innovation because each helps companies do at least one of three things:

(1) increase variance in available knowledge,

(2) see old things in new ways, and

(3) break from the past.

These are the three basic organizing principles for innovative work,”

― Robert I. Sutton

support crackpot heretic dreamer optimistic idea

“Support a few crackpots, heretics, and dreamers, especially if they are wildly optimistic about their ideas.”

― Robert I. Sutton

management best none

“The best management is sometimes less management or no management at all.”

—Robert I. Sutton