Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what you want them to achieve, and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.

The line advocates a command style that emphasizes intent over method: leaders should define the objective and constraints, then allow subordinates discretion in execution. It reflects a philosophy often associated with effective military command—encouraging initiative, adaptability, and ownership—especially valuable in fast-changing situations where rigid instructions can fail. The “surprise you with their ingenuity” clause underscores trust in others’ competence and the creative problem-solving that emerges when people are not micromanaged. In modern terms, it aligns with mission command and outcome-based management, suggesting that clarity of purpose plus autonomy can outperform detailed control.