“Lying dead in the water and doing nothing is a comfortable alternative because it is without risk, but it is an absolutely fatal way to manage a business,” said Watson. By the time he had given up control, Watson had created one of the largest and most powerful companies in the entire country; and it wasn’t by sitting still and letting opportunities pass him by that he was able to do so.
“There is no such thing as standing still,” said Watson. “You cannot stay in one place: you either go forward or go backward.” Watson’s determination to move forward in life was evident from even his earliest career days. Despite having quit after just one day as a teacher, Watson knew there were great things ahead for him. He didn’t like teaching, but instead of giving up and living a mediocre albeit secure life, Watson decided to try for something else.
Thus, Watson enrolled in a business course at the Miller School of Commerce and never looked back. “We must never feel satisfied,” said Watson. “Whenever an individual or a business decides that success has been attained, progress stops.” It was to this end that Watson devoted his company. From its earliest days, IBM had developed a reputation as being at the forefront of the computer age. Watson devoted a significant portion of the company’s revenues to research, ensuring its existence in the future.
In 1947, IBM released Poppy, or the Selective Sequence Electronic Calculator, which was the company’s first machine to use electronics. “Our aim is higher every year and we always reach our mark,” said Watson. “We must never think that what we have today will satisfy the demand ten years from now.” Poppy was just one example of Watson’s dedication to progress. He wanted his company to lead the way forward in the business world and he ensured this by actively applying himself and seizing whatever opportunities would come his way.
Watson never stopped looking for ways to improve his company and continue to set new industry standards. “Analyze the past, consider the present and visualize the future,” said Watson. “Plan for the future…Have faith in the future.” It was this characteristic of Watson’s – his eye to the future – that allowed the company to prosper to the degree that it did before being taken over by his son. When Watson Jr. came on board, the company had already established its solid reputation as an innovator and a leader in the industry.
Watson’s philosophy with respect to progress extended from the business world to that of the individual. “Resolve to stand for something big and fine outside of your business life,” he said. Watson believed in the importance of dedicating oneself to the promotion of a cause for the betterment of both oneself and society at large.
However, no matter what the situation, Watson was in favour of action over inaction; no good would come of doing nothing. In the face of a problem, Watson would say, “Solve it. Solve it quickly, solve it right or wrong. If you solve it wrong, it will come back and slap you in the face, and then you can solve it right.”
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