Effective communication with stakeholders — whether they are investors, customers, or employees — is critical for any founder’s success. To illustrate this, let’s journey back 54 years to an IBM manufacturing research facility in East Fishkill, New York. Back then, IBM was a leading manufacturer of integrated circuits (ICs), the backbone of modern computing. The story of one man’s determination in this facility holds a valuable lesson for today’s leaders.
A Vision for Change
In the 1970s, producing ICs was an arduous process, often taking weeks, if not months. But one man, William “Bill” Harding, a World War II veteran, envisioned a groundbreaking goal: transforming plain silicon wafers into integrated circuits in a single day. Achieving this required a significant investment, but convincing IBM’s headquarters, known for its bureaucracy, was no easy feat.
The Power of Rehearsed Communication
Harding’s strategy was as innovative as his technical vision. He used his weekly staff meetings to rehearse the message he intended to deliver to IBM’s top management. During these meetings, Harding presented reports and reiterated the importance of the project, even when his staff were already familiar with the details. Why? He was fine-tuning his pitch.
Over three years, Harding continually practiced and refined his communication, incorporating feedback from his team to perfect his arguments. This disciplined preparation ensured that when he finally presented to IBM’s headquarters, his pitch was flawless and persuasive. The result? Harding secured the necessary budget and succeeded in his ambitious endeavor.
Lessons for Founders
Harding’s story underscores a vital lesson for today’s founders: effective communication doesn’t happen by chance. It requires deliberate effort, repetition, and refinement. Here’s how you can apply this principle:
Rehearse Your Message: Treat every opportunity to communicate as a chance to practice. Whether addressing your team or investors, rehearsing helps you refine your ideas.
Seek Feedback: Encourage stakeholders to provide constructive feedback. Use it to adjust and improve your message.
Embrace Repetition: Repeating your message ensures clarity and alignment among all stakeholders. Don’t shy away from reiterating your vision.
Adapt and Evolve: As you gather feedback, be willing to adapt. A message that resonates today might need tweaking tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Great communication isn’t a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing process. By following Harding’s example, founders can craft compelling narratives that resonate with stakeholders, secure buy-in, and drive success. Remember, the path to mastery is paved with practice and persistence. Start refining your message today, and watch your vision come to life.
