“Never hire someone who knows less than you do about what he’s hired to do.”
Context
Malcolm Forbes, the late publisher of Forbes magazine, was known for his sharp business insights and unapologetic views on leadership. His comment, “Never hire someone who knows less than you do about what he’s hired to do”, reflects his belief in surrounding oneself with talent that brings new skills and knowledge to the table, rather than seeking subordinates who simply follow instructions.
Meaning
Forbes’ statement shows the importance of hiring for expertise, not ego. Leaders often face the temptation to recruit people they can easily manage or outshine, but such decisions can stifle growth and innovation. Instead, Forbes advocated for choosing people who can fill knowledge gaps, challenge assumptions, and bring fresh solutions that leaders themselves may not have considered.
Implications
This strategy reveals the strategic value of building teams that complement rather than mirror leadership skills. Hiring employees with specialised knowledge can drive innovation, improve problem-solving and free leaders to focus on vision and strategy. In practice, it calls for humility at the top and a recognition that effective leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room but enabling the smartest people to thrive.
William Furney is a Managing Editor at Black and White Trading Ltd based in Kingston upon Hull, UK. He is a prolific author and contributor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional, with over 127 published posts covering HR, employee engagement, and workplace wellbeing topics. His writing focuses on contemporary employment issues including pension schemes, employee health, financial struggles affecting workers, and broader workplace trends.
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
