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Shepherd Mead, best known for his satirical book *”How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”* (1952), was a sharp observer of mid-20th-century corporate culture. While he wasn’t primarily a philosopher or traditional “wisdom figure,” his wit carried a kind of wisdom wrapped in humor and irony. Here are a few gems that reflect his style:
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### **Quotes of Wisdom from Shepherd Mead**
**1.**
> “You can’t succeed in business without really trying if you’re not in business.”
A reminder cloaked in humor: opportunity still needs a foundation—satire or not, you have to show up.
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**2.**
> “If you have a good idea, get it in writing. If you have a bad idea, say it was just a joke.”
This quote speaks to the nature of organizational life and personal accountability—cynical, yes, but useful in understanding workplace dynamics.
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**3.**
> “It’s not how well you do your job. It’s how well you make people *think* you’re doing your job.”
Here Mead pokes at performative professionalism—relevant even in today’s world of image management and self-branding.
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**4.**
> “A good smile can open many doors, but a fake one can help you keep your job.”
Humor with a dark edge—hinting at emotional labor and the facades often worn in professional life.
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**5.** *(From his novelized advice tone)*
> “Remember, mediocrity is not a handicap. It’s an asset in the right hands.”
This line satirizes a world where ambition sometimes trumps ability. Yet it also touches on a truth: systems often reward confidence over competence.
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If you’d like, I can synthesize a few key principles from his writing—like lessons on power, perception, and organizational irony. Vill du ha något mer på svenska också?