“Chase is very critical of you. All he tries to do is replace you.”
People told President Lincoln that about Salmon P. Chase.
Chase’s ambition was no secret. But he was also an exceptionally capable Secretary of the Treasury.
Lincoln’s response was simple:
If his ambition helps save the Union, why should I interfere with it?
Some leaders protect their egos. Great ones protect the mission.
I shared this story during a Talroo leadership training session because it captures what I call a system designer mentality.
System designers think in terms of the bigger picture and the bigger goal, even when it means tolerating personal discomfort.
While leading Talroo, I’ve often taught through stories rather than abstract principles.
Abstract principles fade. Stories stick.
Storytelling is how I create value clarity at Talroo.
Hire competent people. Give them value clarity. Then you can create a state I call high agency:
People spot problems, coordinate across teams, build plans, execute, and keep me informed as milestones are hit.
That’s the state I wanted to build.
The internet made information abundant. AI is making execution abundant.
The remaining scarcity is judgment: What matters? What matters long term? Why does it matter?
Value clarity guides judgment.
Bruce Ge
Founder & CEO
I'm building Talroo with an exceptional team, focused on precision, innovation, and long-term impact in the hiring space.
