Charles M. Schwab was president of US steal in 1901, a position he rose to by impressing his bosses Andrew Carnegie and Henry Frick. My understanding is Schwab started as a management consultant, and the conversation went something like this:
I have a feeling Frick, Schwab and Carnegie would have liked NowDoThis.com … if you have internet-attention-deficit-disorder or run a steel mill you might enjoy it.
Schwab: Hey I am a hot shot consultant, hire me.
Frick: No, we don’t need a consultant to tell us what to do. We already have a huge list of what needs doing.
Schwab: I know I’m good. Let me prove myself.
Frick: If you figure out how to get more done, I will pay you what I think your consulting is worth.
Schwab: Give me a week to look at your list and watch your management team.
Frick: Sounds good. Here is the list.
Schwab (one week later): Work only on the item on the top of your list. When it’s done, and only when it’s done, move to the next item on the list.
Frick (one year later): Here is a check for $25,000 (a lot of money in the late 1800’s)
I have a feeling Frick, Schwab and Carnegie would have liked NowDoThis.com … if you have internet-attention-deficit-disorder or run a steel mill you might enjoy it.
Comments