Failure to Grasp Greatness is in Us
I’m working on a bunch of research for clients these days, testing out new online tools. In preparation for the research, I’ve done a bit of research on how research should be conducted. One of the most enlightening pieces I’ve found (via Jim McGee at the Fast Forward Blog) was called “You and Your Research” which is a transcript of Dr. Richard Hamming - scientist at the Bell Laboratory for more than 40 years - presenting to his colleagues. The end of his formal presentation was this:
“In summary, I claim that some of the reasons why so many people who have greatness within their grasp don’t succeed are: they don’t work on important problems, they don’t become emotionally involved, they don’t try and change what is difficult to some other situation which is easily done but is still important, and they keep giving themselves alibis why they don’t. They keep saying that it is a matter of luck. I’ve told you how easy it is; furthermore I’ve told you how to reform. Therefore, go forth and become great scientists!”
I found it a fascinating inspiration for beginning my research processes, and pretty much engagement in all customer-facing endeavors.
