Erich von Manstein, one of Germany's ablest field commander during World War II used to remind his military commanders of this people management principle.
He said there are 4 types of officers based on combination of 2 characteristics - smart/stupid and lazy/hardworking
1. Stupid but lazy ones: leave them alone, they do no harm
2. Stupid and hardworking ones: these people are a menace and must be gotten rid off at once (they will create all sorts of problems that require a lot of other people's effort to fix)
3. Smart and hardworking ones: keep them, they make excellent staff officers and make sure every detail is taken care of
4. Smart but lazy ones: they are suited for the highest office (for they will find the shortest way to get things done!)
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