Chapter 13 Thoughts

This post covers my thoughts about chapter 13 of the textbook. This chapter examined the role of Thomas Watson's leadership in making IBM a massive success. It was fascinating to examine how IBM was able to prosper in the midst of adversity and depression. It's difficult not to marvel at Watson's courage in overriding the board to keep production going throughout the depression. It's also interesting how he trained his salesmen to know the ins and outs of the products they were selling. He didn't just require a lot from his salesmen, he also provided them with the means to be successful. His loyalty to his employees is also interesting, as he refused to institute widespread layoffs. Despite his obvious ruthlessness when it came to most matters of business, it's fascinating that Watson truly practiced the loyalty he preached to his workers.