About this quote

Setting clear boundaries prevents a total mess before the work even starts. When you delegate a task, you need to specify exactly what acceptable success looks like. If you do not set limits, people will take the easiest, most destructive path to get the job done. Do you want the objective met, or do you want a pile of ashes to clean up? Clear rules keep eager helpers from destroying the very thing you wanted to save.

When to use it

• A project manager talking to an over-eager developer before a software launch: 'We need to fix these bugs, but do not rewrite the entire codebase in the process. I need clean patches, no disintegrations.'
• A parent telling their teenager who offered to clean out the messy backyard shed: 'Thanks for volunteering to clean the shed, but please don't just throw everything in the dumpster. Sort it carefully, no disintegrations.'
• A coach warning an aggressive defender before a high-stakes soccer match: 'Play hard and stop their star striker, but keep it clean and don't get yourself red-carded. I need you on the pitch, no disintegrations.'
• An experienced investor advising a friend who is about to day-trade high-risk stocks: 'Go ahead and try to make some quick cash with your extra funds, but don't blow your entire savings account. Set a strict stop-loss, no disintegrations.'