Risk Was His Friend: Edison's Legacy to Innovation Leaders

Thomas Alva Edison achieved great renown as an inventor, but this was based on his unsurpassed ability as a research leader. In these times of concern for the productivity of research organizations, contemplation of the ways in which Edison operated is worthwhile, especially when his ways are contrasted with the ways of some of today's organizations. From his laboratories sprang whole industries, but judging from his actions, business was a means to an end for him - not a primary interest. Technical accomplishment was his primary goal. Part of Edison's genius was that he knew instinctively where his strength lay - in his ability to make critical choices. During the past few decades, the skill of making critical choices has been all but lost from research institutions. Risk was Edison's friend. Even when he was close to, or in, bankruptcy, he was dreaming of new inventions. An important element of Edison's success was that he could move faster than his competitors.