In 1943, Thomas Watson Jr. paused his career for WW II, but his mindset established the foundation for IBM’s tech empire

During the 1940s, Thomas Watson Jr. had not yet achieved the status of a business legend who would go on to help turn IBM into an industry powerhouse. Instead, he was a young executive getting to grips with the world of business in an organisation that was struggling through the period of uncertainty at the height of World War II.As documented by Brown University Portrait Collection, Thomas Watson Jr. graduated from Brown in 1937, joined IBM, fought in World War II and returned to work for IBM before going on to become the president and chairman of the company. What does this tell us? This is the fact that Watson Jr. became a great leader despite the turbulent times in which he did it.There are many reasons why IBM continued to be successful, and historians and researchers attribute much of its success to IBM’s flexibility. Thomas Watson Jr. understood this, and his leadership style was reflective of the change. When he said “we’ll learn fast”, this was not about being reckless. It was about recovering from failure, adapting, and moving ahead.Thomas Watson Jr.'s formative years at IBMThis was when IBM was not a technology company yet but well-known for making business machines and industrial systems. Watson Jr. joined the organisation which was still running traditionally. It is evident from the Brown University archives that he worked at IBM before being called up into service for World War II. By then, he had familiarised himself with the culture of the company, set up a mindset and incorporated the same in the functioning of the now-tech giant.Such an interruption brought about a huge change that became a point of transformation for many companies. Those who went through the experience of being in the army often changed their perspectives on the urgency of decision-making. War affected the attitude toward risks taken by the leadershipAccording to research conducted by Harvard Business Review, disruptions speed up the pace of innovation in organisations. Watson Jr. found himself in a situation in which hesitation could lead to disastrous results. Although history does not reveal all the lessons he learned from the army and brought to IBM, there is no doubt that this experience impacted his management style.The history of the Watson School at Brown University indicates that Watson Jr. had a significant role to play in IBM's transition during this period. At the end of World War II, the economy of the country was rapidly evolving, and businesses found themselves in an ever more competitive, dynamic environment.It meant that quick adaptation to new conditions was more beneficial than waiting for optimal circumstances. According to James Cortada, an expert in IBM history, one reason behind IBM’s success was its constant ability to adapt to changes in technology instead of sticking to old systems. Reasons why “learning fast” mindset took priority within the culture at IBMThe concept of “we will learn fast” reflects the changing nature of businesses’ approach towards failure after the Second World War period. Rather than regarding mistakes as something that was irreversible, these companies started viewing them as an inherent part of the innovation process. That was how Watson Jr. led IBM as well. The idea wasn’t to take risks blindly. It was about adapting fast.As per the findings of McKinsey and Company’s report on innovation strategies from 2021, the ability to quickly adapt and respond to mistakes is critical for the sustained development of companies during unstable periods.This particular principle grew even more important as IBM continued moving further into the world of computers and technological advancement in the late twentieth century. The guidance provided by Watson Jr. allowed IBM to move away from being only a manufacturer of business machines and venture into the field of computer technologies.IBM’s evolution through disruption and adversityFrom all accounts, the historical narrative of Watson Jr.’s life was marked by interruptions and subsequent recovery rather than stability. However, it is clear from the archive information at Brown University, that his journey reflects the post-war history of American business organisations.American companies were being forced to adapt more rapidly than ever before. The markets changed rapidly, and technology became an essential element of the economy.The case of Watson Jr. shows a valuable insight into effective organisational leadership. Successful companies do not avoid uncertainty at all costs. Rather, they learn to react to uncertainties faster than others.Insight from Watson Jr.‘s experience is still relevantNowadays, start-up founders use buzzwords such as “fail fast” and “learn quickly.” However, it has been true long before it was popularised by modern entrepreneurs.The experience of Thomas Watson Jr. shows where such concepts come from. They have appeared as a result of war, pressures, and rapid changes in the market environment.