What is the quip about alligators and swamps?

This is an analogy, often stated in business, about how unintended consequences can assume greater importance than the activity originally undertaken.

"The objective of all dedicated employees is to thoroughly analyze all situations, anticipate all problems prior to their occurrence, have answers for these problems, and move swiftly to solve these problems when called upon. However, when you are up to your ass in alligators, it is difficult to remember that your initial objective was to drain the swamp."