“All the problems of the world could be settled easily if men were only willing to think,” believed Watson. “The trouble is that men very often resort to all sorts of devices in order not to think, because thinking is such hard work.”
For Watson, nothing was more important to a successful business than the quality of the minds behind it. Without the all-important combination of a sound education as well as common sense, no amount of capital or even luck would be able to take a company to the top.
“What every business needs is more people who think,” said Watson. While his argument might seem overly simplistic, Watson was a firm believer in the power of the individual to shape the future. With clarity of mind, determination and knowledge, the power of thought could go further than one could imagine. “Think,” said Watson. “Think about your appearance, associations, actions, ambitions, accomplishment.” It was something that Watson believed was all too often looked over – the power of thought.
“Education is the foundation of our progress,” said Watson. “Research is the advance guard of our progress.” Watson believed that “men who are willing to study, to acquire the necessary education” would be the ones to succeed not only within IBM but also in business as a whole. “The forces that produce success are manpower and brain-power,” he said. To this end, Watson implemented numerous benefit packages for his employees, including paying for their education.
Watson believed that education could be the fire behind his company. “Knowledge creates enthusiasm,” he believed, and with enthusiasm, anything was possible. He knew that IBM was only going to succeed if he could inspire his troops, by teaching them and by rallying them around a common vision. Without this shared goal and this dedication to progress, Watson did not believe that IBM could set itself apart from the rest of its competitors.
“You must guard constantly against those who lack vision,” said Watson. “You must guard against the reactionary mind. Always cultivate and associate with persons of vision and with persons who believe that things are going to be better. When you do this, you take on the kind of vision, backed by the right kind of inspiration that you need if you are going to grow in this business or any other business.”
It was this simple and basic principle that allowed IBM to flourish. Products were designed to meet a need; problems were met with determination and inspiration to overcome; and common sense became entrenched in every aspect of the company’s operations. “Good design is good business,” said Watson. “Design must reflect the practical and aesthetic in business but above all…good design must primarily serve people.”
Watson never underestimated the power of the mind when it came to striving for success. By encouraging education at every level of his company, and by motivating his workers towards the achievement of a common vision, Watson was able to keep his company progressive and on top.
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