Slightly OT: Dividing soldiers

[copeab]

"I divide my officers into four classes; the clever, the lazy, the industrious, and the stupid. Most often two of these qualities come together. The officers who are clever and industrious are fitted for the highest staff appointments. Those who are stupid and lazy make up around 90% of every army in the world, and they can be used for routine work. The man who is clever and lazy however is for the very highest command; he has the temperament and nerves to deal with all situations. But whoever is stupid and industrious is a menace and must be removed immediately!"

-- General Kurt Von Hammerstein-Equord, German Army (1933)

Applies to any sufficiently large organization, really ...

Why is clever/lazy best for leadership? Very unlikely to micromanage but smart enough to see when he needs to step in. The clever/industrious person is less likely to be able to delegate power to others.