"There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in his home."
Ken Olsen
President Digital Equipment Company (said in 1977)
President Digital Equipment Company (said in 1977)
I don't know Mr. Olsen but assume he is an intelligent individual (he had to have been to reach the position he did.) And like everyone he would be subject to miscalculation and no doubt regretted this statement soon after making it.
Perspective, or lack thereof, is what makes or breaks most companies. How do you know yours is what it should be?
Perspective, or lack thereof, is what makes or breaks most companies. How do you know yours is what it should be?
An obvious example of someone saying what is now silly but it may not have been when he said it. Back during DEC's day, no one saw what is today the robust market for home PC's.
ReplyDeleteI agree Ken, to a point.
ReplyDeleteWe have to take into account the time in which statements and the decisions they brought were made.
But in this case remember that Microsoft was founded 2 years before Mr. Olsen made this statement.
i don't think it's important to be able to predict what's going to happen in the future (if you have that ability, you're a step ahead of the rest of mankind).
ReplyDeletei think the more important trait to have as a manager is to ensure that you're not parochial in your thinking and that you're open to different perspectives and possibilities. AND THEN be able to react quickly to adapt to the inevitable changes.
Makes sense.
ReplyDeleteSort of a proactive reactive manager. You do have to wait for things to happen (because as you said, you cannot predict the future) but being ready to act when they do.