Essays on the Leadership Thoughts of Thomas J. Watson Sr.
Date Published: June 4, 2021
Date Modified: June 30, 2024
Peter E. Greulich's "Essays on Leadership" are examinations of Thomas J. Watson Sr.'s outlook on leadership. During the Great Depression Tom Watson talked quite frequently to his executives about "Democracy in Business," "We Are All Assistants," and "We Forgive Thoughtful Mistakes."

​Pete summarizes these beliefs for anyone to understand and incorporate into their individual lives.

​They are available as free, secure downloads.
The stories in this section can be accessed from the "BOOKS / BIBLIOGRAPHY + ESSAYS ON LEADERSHIP" menu items above or ​by selecting one of the buttons/images below which are supported with additional descriptive text.
Thomas J. Watson Sr.'s Thoughts on Leadership
Tom Watson Sr. defined democracy in business for his company. He forged this definition negotiating a path through the recessionary fires of 1913, 1918, 1920, 1923 and 1926. His definition ignited a business expansion in the greatest economic contraction of the 20th Century—the Great Depression.

In this 1929 Black Tuesday speech he articulated its essence saying: “You all look alike to me.”
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We are all assistants! Such words, without context, could easily be attributed to a spiritual leader. But they were not spiritual dogma; they were a guiding principle from one of the 20th Century’s greatest industrialists. Watson Sr. believed all men should assist each other.

Some would consider this concept too sensitive, too touchy-feely or yes, too spiritual.
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During the Great Depression, Watson Sr. knew that his business needed innovation. To spur that creativity, he encouraged a broad understanding of the business, empowered the individual to think and act, and finally, removed any stigma associated with thoughtful mistakes.

​These are his thoughts on mistakes.
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