I was recently browsing through Michael Gerber’s acclaimed business book, The E-Myth Revisited. I stumbled upon a compelling excerpt from Tom Watson, the founder of IBM. Below, you’ll find Watson’s thoughts on the key factors that contributed to IBM’s secret to success.
Watson articulated that IBM’s achievements can be attributed to three significant elements. Firstly, he had a vivid vision of what the company would ultimately become right from the start. In his words, he envisioned a model of IBM as it would appear when his dream came to fruition.
The second element involved reflecting on how a company with such a vision would need to behave. He created a mental picture of IBM’s operations once it reached its ideal state.
The third aspect of IBM’s secret to success was the understanding that if they didn’t begin embodying that envisioned behavior right away, they would never reach their goals. For IBM to transform into a great company, it had to operate as a great company long before it attained that status.
From the very beginning, IBM was constructed based on this vision. Each day, the team worked towards aligning the company with that ideal model. At the end of each day, they assessed their progress and acknowledged the gaps between their current state and their envisioned future, setting out the next day to close those gaps.
Every day at IBM focused on developing the business, rather than just conducting business transactions.
We weren’t simply doing business at IBM; we were building it.
I found this section particularly inspiring as it underscores the power of having a definitive vision—it serves as a driving force. Watson also hints at the “fake it until you make it” principle, suggesting that by choosing to act as if the company was already thriving, they could create that reality.
This concept resonates with me, as I have employed a similar approach to achieve various personal goals. During my more reserved and introverted days, I chose to embody confidence and sociability. By adopting the posture, mannerisms, and beliefs of the person I aspired to be, I gradually internalized those behaviors and aligned myself with that vision.
I’ve successfully applied this strategy to my physical appearance and in my business endeavors as well.
However, everything begins with a clear vision—cultivating a specific mental image of who you aspire to be.
Clarity is empowerment.
Everything you create in the external world must first originate in your internal world. It starts with a thought, idea, or dream. Through consistent focus and dedication, you can manifest that vision in your life.
I strongly recommend The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber, as it offers incredible business insights. During my early entrepreneurial days years ago, I first read this book and it significantly shifted my perspective on building a successful business. I plan to write a review of The E-Myth soon.
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