[1rudeboy]

That said, he encouraged us all to challenge him every step of the way with our own ideas. He was smart enough to understand that surrounding yourself with the expertise you lack, works when you listen to it.
But when he made his decision, there was no further debate wanted. And he achieved much success. Did I mention we didn’t create a problem by hiring idiots to begin with?

The manufacturer I worked for had an interest twist to that idea. The sales staff (of which I was one) was instructed to set-aside its loyalty to the company, and instead act as advocates for the company's customers. Open hostility to the marketing manager and the bean-counters was encouraged (I need to add that arguments usually were not about pricing--we all knew that our bonus was tied to profit).

Like I said, interesting because I had never experienced something like it before, and might not again. The company was #1 in the industry.

[Gritty]

The sales staff (of which I was one) was instructed to set-aside its loyalty to the company, and instead act as advocates for the company's customers... The company was #1 in the industry.

There is a Biblical principle at work here. If you want to be the most successful, you place others (your customers) first, and they will value you more than the others (your competitors) who place themselves first...

"If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all and servant of all" - words of Jesus, Mark 9:35

It really works just about every time when you are dealing with normal, generally honest people.

[ex91B10]

"...act as advocates for the company's customers. "

That's how you get to be number 1.