On February 14, 1924, the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company changed its name. International Business Machines Corporation was born that day.
IBM. Big Blue. Was here to stay.
From that point on … with big dreams, strong principals, and a belief in the future, Thomas Watson with his “THINK” mantra ushered in an AMBITION OF POSSIBILITIES.
This ambition and belief in the future grounded Watson to meet disruption like the Great Depression head on, during which he continued to focus on the long-term by investing in people, manufacturing, and technological innovation.
In the midsts of disruptive times, this leader of leaders was committed to sustain generational results.
While unemployment in the U.S. rose to 25% for example, Watson continued to hire and against prevailing doctrine opened the IBM Schoolhouse providing education and training for IBM employees.
Leadership is about decisions. And certain decisions like those made by Watson, have generational results.
Long-Term Thinking In A Short-Term World
Elisha Gray and Enos Barton formed Graybar in 1869. Maybe not coincidentally, one of this distributor’s core values is … Long-Term: View believing that long-term success is more important than short-term gain.
This is a great principal for a Fortune 500 company like Graybar and independent tightly held businesses.
Managing for today’s results, while insuring lasting success and stability for future generations is what leaders are called upon to do.
Graybar CEO, Kathy Mazzarella puts it this way: “Our objective as an organization is really to make sure Graybar is around for another 100 years plus.”
Can you think of other leaders who think like Kathy?
Thinking of your life’s work for the long-term, in a short-term world really does set you apart.
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