People are the most important resource in any organization. Know staff capabilities and weaknesses and make careful, thoughtful staffing assignments.

"We must, therefore, be confident that the general measures we have adopted will produce the results we expect. Most important in this connection is the trust which we must have in our lieutenants. Consequently, it is important to choose men on whom we can rely and to put aside all other considerations. If we have made appropriate preparations, taking into account all possible misfortunes, so that we shall not be lost immediately if they occur, we must boldly advance into the shadows of uncertainty." - Karl von Clausewitz

"The first method of estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him." - Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince

from http://www.military-quotes.com/