Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1180IR // #c1180Synthesis

"'The ifs and the buts,' said he, 'are at present out of season, and above all it must be done with speed.'" "To Massena he writes, 'Let me know if your biscuit and bread arrangements are yet completed.'"

— In our words · Source: Self-Help (Samuel Smiles)

[Use when]

A big operation depends on supplies you've delegated and never verified.

[Why it matters]

From a small chateau in Poland, Napoleon chased muskets, shirts, sabres and biscuit by letter. Smiles says he chose agents well and still checked the details where results depended on them.

Filed under situations:When the team is looking to you to lead

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