If a country denies it has AIDS, that country will inevitably become an even greater victim.
Richard HolbrookeRead
In short, you can't let the deadline define the mission. The mission has to define the duration.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on your goals rather than being constrained by timelines.
This quote emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the mission or objective over arbitrary deadlines. It suggests that a well-defined mission should guide how long you spend on it, rather than allowing deadlines to dictate the importance or quality of the work produced. This perspective fosters greater creativity and dedication to achieving meaningful outcomes.
Themes
DeadlineMissionDurationFocusPurpose
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting to set project goals.
More from Richard Holbrooke
All quotes βUnited Nations peacekeepers are going all over the world spreading AIDS even while they're trying to bring peace. What a supreme irony.
Richard HolbrookeRead
You have to test your hypothesis against other theories. Certainty in the face of complex situations is very dangerous.
Richard HolbrookeRead
World War I was not inevitable, as many historians say. It could have been avoided, and it was a diplomatically botched negotiation.
Richard HolbrookeRead
A world without the United Nations or with a paralyzed United Nations would be far more costly to all of us and far more dangerous to peace and stability.
Richard HolbrookeRead
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