Don’t Forget to Think

Today’s Sunday Saying: Think before acting; and whilst acting, still think. Dutch Proverb (courtesy of Quotations.About.com)

IBM has a famous slogan: THINK.  That’s it.  That was the slogan.  It was developed by IBM founder Thomas J. Watson back in the 1920’s.  Watson said in explanation: “THINK. Think about your appearance, associations, actions, ambitions, accomplishment.”

What does “THINK”mean? I am guessing it means something like what the Dutch proverb says: Think first, then act, but keep thinking.

In a small business, you really have to keep thinking.  Case in point: A business lawsuit resulted from the owner’s thoughtless comment to employees and others about an employee who was fired for theft.  She was terminated, but there is no proof that she did anything wrong, and she was never charged or convicted.

One thoughtless comment to the wrong person can mean many months of legal battle and a lot of money.  Anyone in a position of management in a business has to learn to think several times before making a decision or saying anything.

Watson also said, All the problems of the world could be settled easily if men were only willing to think. The trouble is that men very often resort to all sorts of devices in order not to think, because thinking is such hard work.

Before you put your foot in your mouth, think.  It could save you both time and money.

Image: chakote@flickr