Meaning: The quote, "If you don't know what to do with many of the papers piled on your desk, stick a dozen colleagues initials on them and pass them along. When in doubt, route." by Malcolm Forbes, a well-known publisher, reflects an approach to handling paperwork and decision-making in a corporate or professional setting. The quote is a humorous take on the idea of delegating tasks and responsibilities when faced with uncertainty or a lack of clarity on how to proceed with a particular issue.

At its core, the quote suggests that when individuals are unsure about how to handle a pile of papers or a specific task, they can simply pass it along to others by obtaining their initials, essentially shifting the responsibility to someone else. The phrase "When in doubt, route" encapsulates the idea that when faced with uncertainty, the best course of action is to forward the issue to others in the hope that they will be able to provide clarity or resolution.

Malcolm Forbes, the author of the quote, was a prominent American entrepreneur and publisher, known for his role as the publisher of Forbes magazine, as well as his business acumen and leadership in the publishing industry. Forbes' background as a publisher and his experience in managing a successful media empire likely influenced his perspective on decision-making and delegation, which is reflected in the quote.

Interpreting the quote in a broader context, it can be seen as a lighthearted commentary on the challenges of decision-making in a professional environment. The image of a desk cluttered with papers symbolizes the numerous tasks, projects, and responsibilities that individuals encounter in their work. The suggestion to pass along the papers with colleagues' initials implies a reliance on teamwork and collaboration to manage workload and navigate complex or ambiguous situations.

From a managerial standpoint, the quote may also be interpreted as a commentary on the delegation of responsibilities within an organization. It highlights the importance of distributing tasks among team members and leveraging their expertise and input to address challenges effectively. Additionally, the quote may serve as a reminder for individuals to seek assistance and input from their colleagues when grappling with difficult decisions or overwhelming workloads.

While the quote offers a humorous and somewhat unconventional approach to handling paperwork and decision-making, it also prompts reflection on the dynamics of teamwork, delegation, and problem-solving in professional settings. It encourages individuals to recognize when they may need to seek support or input from others and underscores the value of collaboration in navigating complex and uncertain situations.

In conclusion, Malcolm Forbes' quote, "If you don't know what to do with many of the papers piled on your desk, stick a dozen colleagues initials on them and pass them along. When in doubt, route," offers a whimsical perspective on decision-making and delegation in the workplace. It prompts consideration of the role of teamwork, collaboration, and shared responsibility in managing tasks and addressing challenges within an organizational context. While the quote may be tongue-in-cheek, it carries underlying themes of teamwork and reliance on colleagues to navigate uncertainty and complexity in professional environments.