A Business and Its Beliefs by Thomas J. Jr. Watson

by Thomas J. Watson Jr.

Unlike individuals who are sometimes born to greatness, corporations always have to achieve greatness. Few have achieved the success of IBM. Its combination of zeal and professionalism, tempered with compassion and good common sense have made IBM what it is today. Thomas J. Watson, Jr., Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of IBM, probes the origins of his company and attributes its growth to its firm set of beliefs.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Biography

Paperback Bunko

First published April 24, 2003

About the author

1914-1993

Reviews

[Nilguen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Thomas J. Watson, Jr., the son of IBM´s founder, who became one of the first CEO´s, candidly elaborates the bedrock values that IBM holds onto in a ´VUCA world´ (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity).

I am fascinated by the fact that Watson barely discusses neither technology nor profit in his book, but emphasizes people and culture.

Watson explains that the identity of IBM was formed by three main beliefs:
- Respect for the individual
- Striving to have the best customer service for any company in the world
- Pursuing all tasks with the idea that they can be accomplished in a superior fashion.

Watson believes what makes or breaks a company is traced to the question of how well the organization brings out the great energies and talents of its people.

What struck me about this book is that the author does not only write about successfully running IBM, but looks beyond the steep and expresses his concerns about society´s well-being by urging managers to take on corporate responsibilities to improve the same.

Though, the book was written in 1963, it still feels relevant to me with its level of authenticity and courage of emphasizing values in a corporate environment.

Everyone who is in an attempt to foster a positive work environment that will ultimately help deliver great customer experiences, will love this book reflecting on Watson´s ideas and experiences with the tech giant IBM.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was included in my book: The 100 Best Business Books of All Time. www.100bestbiz.com

[Huntleigh Zhang · Rating 5 out of 5]

an insightful discussion surrounding thomas j. watson sr’s upbringing and the ways in which his lived experiences shaped his view on how business should be conducted, as well as development of the values critical to ibm’s success — respect for the individual, striving to have the best customer service for any company in the world, and pursuing all tasks with the idea that they can be accomplished in a superior fashion. thomas j. watson jr, the author of the novel, emphasizes that a company may only thrive if its own employees and public/national interest are kept at the center, and to avoid becoming complacent with success as that is how a company falls behind. while the book was written in 1963, so many lessons told by watson still stand true to this day. a phenomenal read!

[Gayle Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written over 60 years ago, it reads like it was written this morning.
Ĥ according to their beliefs, their values.

Watson ÿ our nation.

Don't rush through it. Savor it. Let it theoretically swish around in your brain.

Then, focus on discerning and clearly communicating your values.

Living with integrity in alignment with your values pays off beyond your wildest dreams.

Start or reinforce your commitment to Iiving your values.

[Mary Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ideas, well stated, but a bit on the dated side. What was revolutionary thinking at the time this book was written is part of the public conscience now and taken largely for granted. Remembering not to take it for granted it the lesson to take away from this book, in my opinion.

[Jessica Pantano · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read, this book outlines the core values that made IBM Big Blue. Watson's beliefs about how business leaders should behave and participate in a changing society are inspiring.

[Mark Simmerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only 107, large print type pages. Some basic ideas that were thin on examples.

[Christopher Lewis Kozoriz · Rating 2 out of 5]

"There never has been any future in the status quo. In business, the status quo means inevitable failure, and I would think the same conclusion could be drawn with nations." (Thomas J. Watson Jr., A Business and Its Beliefs: The Ideas That Helped Build IBM, Page 79)

Late Billionaire and son of IBM founder Thomas J. Watson Sr. discusses in lecture type format the ideas that shaped IBM and then dives into how a business can affect society and the nation as a whole positively.

You get a sense at the end of the book that this man has learned many tough lessons that you can't fight the government, so you require to work with it. He says, "What we must always remember is that countries and systems exist for the benefit of their people." (Page 94) He concludes that the government is good for a business within reason. He encourages businessman to use their sphere of influence to build up their country and not to tear it down. He advises business people to shy away from alienating the public by complaining about the government, particularly about paying more taxes or regulation. My initial thought was 'here is a very profitable businessman lecturing about not complaining about government policies; however, he has a big bank account and can afford to pay more. What about the smaller sized businesses that could get crushed because of over-regulation and over-taxation?" Maybe I am wrong, but a question to think on.

[George Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thomas J. Watson, Jr., son of IBM founder Thomas Watson, Sr., believed IBM’s decades-long business success could be attributed to three core beliefs:

1. Have respect for the individual.
2. Give the best company service of any company in the world.
3. Pursue all tasks with the idea that they can be accomplished in a superior fashion.

In his short book “A Business and Its Beliefs”, Watson tells of IBM’s strict adherence to this trio of management ideals – in good times and bad – and how living by them built a culture that was responsible for one of the most successful companies in US business history.

Watson points to his father’s upbringing and career as the genesis of these beliefs. Using colorful examples, interesting stories and referencing the beliefs throughout the text, Watson writes a surprisingly useful management short course for any thoughtful businessperson willing to live and lead with similar ideals.

[Greg Greben · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Individuals and organizations have failed because they have been ahead of their times. But many more have failed because they have been behind their times, because they have been unwilling to pull their heads out of the sand and accept the reality of change." - T.J. Watson Jr.

[Jay]

Time 100