How to Choose Advisors Who Will Tell You the Truth Instead of What You Want to Hear — The Prince

"The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince. And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful."

Context: Opening judgment of a prince

Your team is your public proof of judgment.

In Today's Words:

Machiavelli sorts minds into those who understand on their own, those who see others' wisdom, and those who understand neither. A prince needs native genius or the ability to recognize it in others. If you cannot think strategically yourself, your first job is learning to spot counselors who can and will tell you hard truths.

"when you see the servant thinking more of his own interests than of yours, and seeking inwardly his own profit in everything, such a man will never make a good servant, nor will you ever be able to trust him"

Context: The servant test

Self-interest in a counselor is a permanent disqualifier.

In Today's Words:

When a servant thinks more of their own interests than yours, they will never truly serve you. Self-interest in a counselor is a permanent disqualifier. In a campaign or executive team, watch whether advisors protect their access, billing, or future position even when your interests diverge. That is not loyalty. That is rental.

"When, therefore, servants, and princes towards servants, are thus disposed, they can trust each other, but when it is otherwise, the end will always be disastrous for either one or the other."

Context: Closing mutual arrangement

Trust requires aligned incentives on both sides.

In Today's Words:

Trust requires aligned incentives on both sides. Reward loyal servants, but do not make them so independent that they become rivals. Give them enough to stay faithful and not enough to replace you. The arrangement only works when prince and counselor understand that mutual dependence is the point, not permanent equality.

"Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless."

Context: Pandolfo Petrucci and Venafro

Leaders need either native genius or the ability to recognize it in others.

In Today's Words:

Machiavelli sorts minds into those who understand on their own, those who see others' wisdom, and those who understand neither. A prince needs native genius or the ability to recognize it in others. If you cannot think strategically yourself, your first job is learning to spot counselors who can and will tell you hard truths.