concluded “the smart way to protect our future would be to have
electronics engineers—large numbers of electronics engineers.”
Years later, however, as IBM was working flat out on its break-
through Capitalist System 360, he “learned the hard way one of
the great secrets of computer engineering: throwing people at a
software project is not the way to speed it up.” He quoted a droll
engineer who had written him, “The bearing of a child takes nine
months, no matter how many women are assigned.”
What an apt metaphor for any process of innovation! Every
adaptive step forward involves not just the bright idea but its
refinement, buy-in by others, and its development and applica-
tion. Fit the pace and the process to the project.
We see this in Billy’s early use of new technology to speak to
much of the globe simultaneously. Like all his meetings and inter-
national conferences, talented leaders researched in depth the
multiplicity of factors, evaluating everything from time frames to
technology. They refined scenarios, worked with partners around
the world, then rolled out a successful initiative that reached a
billion people at one time. Careful planning, careful execution.
This is not to say all this was easy or flawless. Innovation by
its nature is messy. So is working with people. That’s why realism
about pace and progress are crucial.Lighten Up with Mongol Chiefs
The acceleration of change makes especially relevant this an-
cient Chinese curse: “May you be a leader in a time of transition.”
Think about that.
An old adage says, “The pioneers are the guys with the
arrows in their backs.” Having a thick hide helps when pioneer-
ing, especially considering that the Chinese curse so trenchantly
applies today. To be an innovative leader means drawing on all
this book explores, like courage and inner resourcing as well as
building a loyal team. Injecting a light touch can put it all in per-
spective. For instance, Harry Truman insisted on honest govern-
ment and realistic adaptation. On meeting resistance to some of
his initiatives, he had a humorous response. At that time, the
Innovating