This quote is a metaphorical statement that emphasizes the importance of direction and purpose over mere management skills. The "jungle" represents the environment or context in which one operates, be it a business, a career, or even life in general. Being in the "right jungle" means being in the right place, doing the right thing, or pursuing the right goal.

The "ability to manage well," on the other hand, represents skills such as efficiency, organization, and control. While these are important, they are secondary to being in the right jungle. This means that no matter how well you manage, if you’re not in the right place or not pursuing the right goals, your efforts may be futile.

In other words, direction and purpose precede management. It’s better to be poorly managed in the right jungle (pursuing the right goal) than to be well-managed in the wrong jungle (pursuing the wrong goal).

Applying this to today’s world, it could mean that before starting a business, for example, an entrepreneur should first ensure that they are entering the right market (the right jungle) that aligns with their skills, passion, and market demand. No matter how well they manage their business, if they are in a market that doesn’t suit them or where there is no demand, their business is likely to fail.

In terms of personal development, this quote could be interpreted as a call to first identify one’s passion, purpose, or calling in life (the right jungle) before developing skills and strategies (management abilities) to pursue it. Without a clear sense of direction, one might end up being efficient at tasks that don’t fulfill them or lead them towards their desired life.

So, the quote essentially underlines the importance of strategic thinking, self-awareness, and goal-setting as prerequisites to effective management.