Burke and Rickover's working relationship

Burke could direct Hyman Rickover and influence appointments to nuclear projects because he had earned Rickover's trust. Their working relationship combined effort with candor: Burke would raise problems directly and acknowledge good work. Rickover's acceptance of his authority is offered as one explanation for Burke's selection despite his relative youth and lower profile than some other officers. The account also distinguishes Rickover's stubbornness toward people he distrusted from his loyalty to the small circle he respected.