If you want to kill any idea in the world, get a committee working on it.

The quote "If you want to kill any idea in the world, get a committee working on it" by Charles Kettering humorously critiques the often slow and cumbersome nature of committee work in organizations. Kettering suggests that involving too many people in decision-making can lead to bureaucracy, indecision, and a dilution of creative energy, ultimately stifling innovation and progress. Instead of fostering ideas, committees sometimes hinder them by overanalyzing, compromising, or losing momentum.

Charles Kettering was an influential American inventor and engineer, known for his practical innovations and leadership in research and development. His quote reflects his frustration with organizational processes that can slow down or derail inventive ideas. Kettering valued efficiency, decisiveness, and the ability to move quickly from concept to action—qualities that can be compromised in large, consensus-driven groups.

At its core, the quote highlights the challenge of balancing collaboration with agility. While teamwork is important, too many cooks can spoil the broth, leading to diluted vision and delayed execution. Kettering’s insight encourages leaders to be mindful of how they structure decision-making processes to maintain momentum and protect creative ideas from unnecessary red tape.

Overall, Kettering’s words serve as a cautionary reminder that committees, while useful in some contexts, can sometimes hinder innovation. The quote inspires organizations to find the right balance between input and action, ensuring that great ideas have the space and speed to flourish.