Too many chiefs, (and) not enough Indians
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Definition & Meaning of "too many chiefs, (and) not enough Indians"

too many chiefs, (and) not enough indians
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used to warn that having too many leaders and not enough people to execute tasks can lead to confusion, inefficiency, and a lack of progress

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What is the origin of the proverb "too many chiefs, not enough Indians" and when to use it?

The origin of the proverb "too many chiefs, not enough Indians" is unclear but is often thought to stem from European cultural references to Native American society. However, it is important to note that the saying likely emerged during the colonial period when European settlers or writers used "chiefs" and "Indians" as symbolic figures to represent leadership and followers. The proverb emphasizes the idea that for a group or organization to function effectively, there must be a balance between leadership and those who support the work. It serves as a reminder that leadership is most effective when there is a clear distribution of roles and responsibilities.

example
Example
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The company was struggling because there were too many chiefs and not enough Indians to carry out the work.
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