Great systems are more important than great people. The notion that
you are doomed to mediocrity if you can't hire the very best people
has little empirical support. Yes, there are big differences between
the most talented people and the next level down in most
occupations. But systems are more important. Toyota beats the
competition as a result of a superior system; Men's Wearhouse and
McDonald's don't hire people that are much different from their
competitors
(...)
Even the most brilliant person is doomed to fail in a bad
system, and seemingly mediocre people can become stars in a great
system.