3M Century of Innovatiom
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Questions and Answers

What was the initial product that 3M struggled to produce successfully?

3M initially struggled to produce quality sandpaper.

What mineral did 3M's founders mistakenly think would perform like garnet?

The founders mistakenly thought anorthosite would perform like garnet.

How much start-up capital did each founder contribute to 3M?

Each founder contributed $1,000 in start-up capital.

What was the reason for the local bank's willingness to loan capital to 3M?

<p>The local bank trusted 3M based on the founders' solid reputations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

When did 3M sell its first batch of minerals and how much was it?

<p>3M sold its first batch of minerals in March 1904, totaling one ton.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action did 3M's partners take due to their financial struggles?

<p>The partners voted to cut their salaries and eventually abolished them altogether.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with the growth of 3M decades later, and what qualities did he highlight in the founders?

<p>William McKnight credited Dwan, Ober, and Cable with 'remarkable faith and tenacity'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What motivated 3M's founders to try another approach in 1904?

<p>The lack of revenues and a bare treasury motivated the founders to seek new strategies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was William L. McKnight's role at 3M?

<p>He was a sales manager in the national sales office in Chicago.</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what point in time did McKnight start his business career?

<p>He started his career as an assistant bookkeeper in 1907.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did McKnight believe was necessary for success?

<p>He believed that risk was necessary to achieve success.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did McKnight view the making of mistakes?

<p>He viewed mistakes as a part of the process and emphasized learning from them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was McKnight's stance on management practices?

<p>He warned against micromanagement and its negative effects on initiative.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of creating the Products Department at 3M?

<p>To study the commercial value of research projects and recommend whether to continue them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment did McKnight express regarding critical management?

<p>He cautioned that destructively critical management could kill initiative.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does McKnight’s approach to management suggest about his leadership style?

<p>His approach suggests a progressive and trusting leadership style focused on empowerment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was responsible for leading the effort to enhance new development work at 3M?

<p>Joe Duke was given the responsibility to lead the effort.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What lesson emphasizes the importance of trying before perfecting in experimentation?

<p>Anything worth doing is worth doing before it is perfected.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does McKnight's philosophy reveal about the culture he wanted to create at 3M?

<p>It reveals a culture of adventure, challenge, and tolerance for failure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'jack of all trades and a master of one' imply in the context of research?

<p>It suggests that while it is beneficial to have diverse skills, it is also important to specialize in a specific area.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should objectives related to product development be managed according to the provided content?

<p>Objectives should always be updated to adapt to the evolving nature of tasks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the statement 'It is easier to ask forgiveness than permission' suggest about the approach to innovation?

<p>It encourages taking initiative and experimenting without waiting for prior approval.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did market surveys play in 3M's research initiatives as per the passage?

<p>Market surveys were conducted to identify the potential size and profitability of new markets.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key responsibility was Duke given in terms of product quality at 3M?

<p>He was tasked with supervising product quality throughout the development process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason the 3M executives decided to manufacture their own grinding wheels?

<p>They believed in the potential to succeed despite others not investing in their corundum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Ober's background influence his decision to invest in 3M?

<p>Ober came from modest means and had high aspirations, which drove him to take risks with his investments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the challenges faced by 3M in raising operating capital?

<p>3M had little success selling stock and was rapidly approaching disaster.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who were the two key investors that supported the struggling 3M, and what were their backgrounds?

<p>Edgar Ober, a railroad clerk, and John Dwan, a lawyer, were the key investors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did 3M's shift from being a supplier of raw materials to manufacturing finished goods impact the company?

<p>It set 3M on a new, stronger course, allowing for greater control and innovation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What innovative discovery by Edward Acheson was important for the abrasive market?

<p>Acheson discovered how to make an artificial abrasive by combining carbon and silicon at high temperatures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What personal qualities did Ober demonstrate that contributed to his success as an investor?

<p>Ober demonstrated hard work, ambition, and faith in his investment decisions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'conceive it, believe it, achieve it' imply about the mindset necessary for innovation?

<p>It suggests that strong belief and vision are essential components for turning ideas into successful realities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Spencer Silver's role at 3M?

<p>He was a retired corporate scientist in the Office Supplies Division.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did 3M's culture support creativity among its employees?

<p>3M provided a tolerance for experimentation and allowed employees to pursue independent product ideas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'follow the fellow who follows a dream' imply about 3M's approach?

<p>It suggests that 3M encourages employees to pursue their passions and innovative ideas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was Carlton and what role did he play at 3M?

<p>Carlton set the tone for the lab as an idea man, promoting a culture of experimentation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What practice known as 'bootlegging' was common at 3M?

<p>Bootlegging was the practice of independently working on product ideas outside regular assignments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was William McKnight's vision for 3M?

<p>His vision involved diversification, which led to innovative thinking and surprising results.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Jim Hendricks contribute to 3M during his tenure?

<p>He was a founding member of the 3M Technical Forum and worked in the Central Research Laboratory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What flexibility did employees have regarding their work hours at 3M?

<p>Employees could adjust their work hours for personal activities, like fishing, and make up the time later.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did President William McKnight take regarding 3M's leadership?

<p>He decided to hire a strong technical person to lead and coordinate 3M’s research, manufacturing, and engineering activities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was Carlton, and what was his background?

<p>Carlton was a 27-year-old engineering graduate from the University of Minnesota with experience in drafting and electrical contracting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did McKnight respond to Okie's unusual request for sandpaper grits?

<p>McKnight was curious about Okie's request and dispatched sales manager Robert Skillman to investigate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did Okie have on the workers at 3M?

<p>Okie created quite a stir among the workers for being the first live inventor they had ever met.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics defined both McKnight and Okie?

<p>Both McKnight and Okie were described as quiet, soft-spoken, and unaffected individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Carlton's sentiment about the nature of success and innovation?

<p>Carlton acknowledged that some successes were due to luck and mistakes, stating you can't stumble if you're not in motion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was McKnight unable to pay Carlton a competitive salary?

<p>McKnight could only pay Carlton $65 a month, less than one-third of what he was already making.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Carlton indicate about the products created at 3M?

<p>Carlton indicated that some products were stumbled upon rather than intentionally developed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

3M's Founding

3M was founded in 1902 by three partners who each contributed $1,000 for 1,000 shares.

Location of 3M's First Plant

The first 3M plant was located in Two Harbors, Minnesota, a town on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

3M's Initial Product

3M's first product was Crystal Bay corundum, a type of mineral abrasive used in grinding wheels.

3M's First Sale

In March 1904, 3M sold its first batch of corundum: one ton of Crystal Bay corundum.

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3M's Early Financial Challenges

3M faced financial challenges because their initial product, anorthosite, was inferior to garnet, leading to slow sales.

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3M's Founders' Sacrifices

To survive, 3M's founders cut their salaries and eventually abolished them altogether.

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3M's Early Approach to Innovation

Despite initial setbacks, 3M's founders persevered and continued to search for new solutions and products.

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3M's Founders' Characteristics

The founders shared strong work ethic, Midwestern roots, and a commitment to the company, which helped them weather difficult times.

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What was the primary problem 3M faced in its early years?

3M struggled to sell its stock to raise operating capital and cover payroll, putting the company at risk of financial disaster.

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Who were the two key investors who saved 3M?

Edgar Ober, a railroad man, and John Dwan, a lawyer and co-founder of 3M, provided crucial financial support, preventing the company's collapse.

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What did 3M's decision to manufacture grinding wheels signify?

By producing grinding wheels instead of just supplying corundum, 3M moved beyond being a raw material supplier and entered a new market, becoming a manufacturer of finished goods.

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What was Edward Acheson's groundbreaking discovery?

Acheson invented a method to create artificial abrasive by combining carbon and silicon at high temperatures, significantly impacting the grinding wheel industry.

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What was the unexpected mineral found at 3M’s Crystal Bay property?

3M initially believed they had found corundum, a valuable abrasive, but it turned out to be anorthosite, a different mineral.

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What does the phrase 'conceive it, believe it, achieve it' represent?

It emphasizes the importance of vision, belief, and execution in achieving success through innovation. It reflects 3M's core values of creativity and perseverance.

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What is 'believing' in terms of innovation?

'Believing' involves bringing together all necessary elements and resources needed to transform an idea into a reality.

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How did 3M's move to manufacturing finished goods benefit the company?

This move set 3M on a path to becoming a stronger and more sustainable company, expanding its market reach and capabilities.

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McKnight's Business Philosophy

McKnight believed in taking risks to achieve success, embracing innovation, and encouraging employees to try new things even if they fail. He emphasized the importance of taking risks to achieve success.

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McKnight's View on Mistakes

McKnight believed that mistakes are inevitable and that 'Management that is destructively critical when mistakes are made can kill initiative'. He empowered employees to learn from their mistakes by not being overly critical.

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McKnight's Management Style

McKnight believed in empowering employees and avoiding micromanagement. He trusted their judgment and encouraged them to take risks.

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The Importance of Risk-Taking

McKnight believed taking risks was essential for growth and success. He stated that the 'best and hardest work is done in the spirit of adventure and challenge.'

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Embrace Failure, Encourage Learning

McKnight's philosophy focused on learning from mistakes rather than punishing them. He saw failure as an opportunity for growth and progress.

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McKnight's Legacy

His progressive business philosophy, emphasizing risk-taking, innovation, and employee empowerment, continues to influence businesses today.

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McKnight's Time Period

McKnight's business philosophy was formed in the early 20th century, a time of rapid industrial growth and technological advancements.

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McKnight's Background

Despite not graduating from college, McKnight had a profound understanding of business and developed a progressive philosophy that influenced 3M's success.

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3M's Growth

3M's success allowed them to hire a technical leader for their research and development efforts.

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Richard Carlton's Role

Richard Carlton was hired as a technical leader to coordinate research, manufacturing, and engineering.

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Carlton's Background

Carlton was a young engineering graduate with experience in drafting and electrical contracting.

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3M's Salary for Carlton

3M offered Carlton a salary of $65 per month, significantly lower than his current earnings.

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Okie's Unusual Request

Okie, an ink manufacturer, requested samples of every sandpaper grit size 3M produced.

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3M's Response to Okie

3M dispatched a sales manager to investigate Okie's unusual request and assess the potential business opportunity.

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Okie as a Live Inventor

Okie's visit to 3M excited the workers as he was the first live inventor they encountered.

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Okie's Attitude

Okie disliked being confined to a specific field and sought broader opportunities.

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New Products Department

A department created by 3M to evaluate the commercial potential of research projects, aiming to prioritize efforts and maximize investment returns.

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McKnight's vision

McKnight believed in the power of research and development, leading to the establishment of the New Products Department to scrutinize the value of research projects.

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Joe Duke's role

Joe Duke, a key individual in 3M's early growth, led the New Products Department with a broad mandate to assess, develop, and market new products.

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Don't wait for perfection

It's important to experiment early and often, even if the result is not perfect. Value is found in the learning process.

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Be a master of one

While having a broad skill set is valuable, it's crucial to specialize in a specific area to become a true expert.

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Put things in a nutshell

Simplify complex tasks or problems to identify their core elements and focus on clear objectives.

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Easier to ask forgiveness than permission

Take initiative and act boldly, even if you might need to explain your actions later. Trusting your instincts is important.

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Sincere attitude

A genuine commitment to one's work, characterized by passion and dedication, enhances the chances of success and creates a positive work environment.

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3M's Tolerance for Experimentation

3M encourages experimentation and allows its employees to explore new ideas, even those that may seem unconventional.

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Central Research Laboratory's Culture

The Central Research Laboratory fostered a culture of independent work and allowed employees to pursue their own research interests, even if those interests deviated from official assignments.

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Bootlegging at 3M

The practice of employees working independently on their own product ideas outside of their assigned tasks, encouraged by 3M's leadership.

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William McKnight's Diversification Strategy

McKnight, a 3M leader, emphasized diversification, leading to a wide variety of products and a focus on innovation in diverse fields.

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3M's Multi-Disciplinary Approach

3M actively sought collaboration and ideas from experts in various scientific fields, recognizing the value of cross-disciplinary knowledge.

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3M's 'Follow the Dream' Approach

3M embraced a philosophy of encouraging employees to follow their passions and pursue their own ideas, regardless of their direct relevance to current projects.

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3M's Culture and Innovation

3M's company culture, characterized by experimentation, freedom, and diversification, fostered a productive environment for continuous innovation.

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3M's Leadership's Role in Innovation

Leaders at 3M recognized the importance of trust and autonomy, providing their employees with the freedom to explore new ideas and the resources to pursue them.

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Study Notes

3M's Early Years

  • 3M was founded in 1902, with each founder contributing $1,000 for 1,000 shares.
  • The company started in Two Harbors, Minnesota.
  • Initial focus on corundum, then anorthosite.
  • Faced early struggles, including low-quality products and difficulty selling stock.
  • Early partners cut and eliminated salaries to preserve the company.

Financial Struggles and Innovation

  • 3M initially struggled to sell its corundum and sandpaper, potentially leading to failure.
  • The company persisted and decided to manufacture grinding wheels, expanding from raw material to finished products.
  • Lack of resources meant relying on partners like Edgar Ober and John Dwan.
  • Early investors showed faith in 3M's potential, providing operating capital despite uncertainty.

Leadership and Vision

  • William McKnight instilled a philosophy of embracing risk and seeing mistakes as learning opportunities.
  • He emphasized employee judgment and discouraged micromanagement.
  • He understood the importance of diversification and new product development, leading to the establishment of a New Products Department.
  • McKnight prioritized research and identifying commercially viable projects.

Innovation and Research

  • 3M emphasized experimentation and viewed failures as necessary for innovation.
  • The company encouraged employees to explore different ideas, exemplified by the “bootlegging” practices.
  • Carlton, McKnight, and others created the first New Products Department at 3M.
  • Research and development were integral to 3M's success.

Key Individuals and Their Roles

  • Ober and Dwan played crucial roles, exhibiting faith and tenacity during difficult times.
  • Carlton, an engineer, shaped the research culture at 3M, promoting experimentation and tolerance for failures.
  • McKnight, as president, recognized the importance of employee judgment, risk-taking, and a dedicated R+D department.
  • Spencer Silver, contributed to the development of innovative products.

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