The quote also functions as a protective filter against mediocre yeses. Every “maybe” hire or reluctant partnership consumes limited time—time that could be spent finding a better match or building independent capability. In practical terms, it’s an opportunity-cost argument: the wrong person doesn’t just underperform; they block the right person from entering the slot.
This is especially relevant in small teams where each addition changes the whole system. A single misalignment can dominate weekly conversations, forcing everyone to coordinate around the weakest link rather than accelerating around shared competence. [...]
