“A prince ought always to take counsel, but only when he wishes, not when others wish.”Niccolò Machiavelli · Principele · 1532 · capitolul XXIII
A leader must solicit advice only at the time and from the people they choose, in order to maintain control.
Machiavelli notes that advice becomes a trap if the prince listens to anyone at any time. Counsel is useful only if it remains a tool of the ruler's will, not an external pressure. For instance, a team leader who consults experts only at chosen moments keeps control; if bombarded daily with opinions, he ends up being led by them.
Why it matters Today, anyone in a decision-making role — manager, entrepreneur, parent — can apply this rule to avoid being overwhelmed by unsolicited advice.