The power of persistence
There are a seemingly infinite number of ways for us to improve our personal skills and acquire new knowledge but what really determines whether we succeed or not? The difference is in those individual characteristics that we apply to achieve a particular desired outcome. These attributes are typically not taught anywhere and include things like: empathy, commitment, quality orientation and the one I want to focus on in this article - persistence.
Thomas Edison is generally credited with having invented the first incandescent light bulb, but in fact there were many others before him that also produced early versions, e.g. Humphry Davy, Warren de la Rue, William Staite, Joseph Swan, Henry Woodward and Matthew Evans just to name a few. Whilst these early versions worked to varying degrees, none was practical being either too inefficient or too expensive to produce for a high volume of consumers. What was significant about Edison’s invention was that it was the first commercially viable product that could be manufactured at low cost and hence available to the general public. What may not be known though is that Edison tested literally thousands of designs before finally patenting a carbon filament lamp in November 1879. Not only did Edison learn from his previous “failures”, he applied this knowledge to subsequent prototypes over months and years following to perfect his design. Ironically, within months of the patent being approved, Edison and his team continued to take action and improved on their patented design still further discovering that a carbonised bamboo filament could burn for 1,200 hours or more and this too was superseded over time by more efficient and longer-lasting materials. Although not the first, Edison’s persistence paid off enabling him to become recognised as the father of this invention. Indeed according to Edison: “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration”.
From a personal perspective, I clearly remember soon after I started my business, meeting up with the CEO of a local manufacturing company. We had a great discussion and I felt that I would really be able to assist him in taking the business to the next level. Although he was not willing to commit to engaging my services at that time, he invited me to follow up the following week which I did. Unfortunately for me, a significant piece of work had come in that meant he would be distracted for the next two weeks at least so he asked me to get back in contact then. I did, but he still felt unable to commit then. My fortnightly follow-ups continued for almost six months (!!) and I well remember thinking that if I failed to secure some time with the CEO then, I would stop the calls. As it turned out the timing was right and I ended up working with that business for around five years. My persistence paid off!
Finally, one more quote from the famous French biologist, microbiologist, and chemist Louis Pasteur regarded as the discoverer of vaccination, microbial fermentation and pasteurization without which we would not have the capacity of disease prevention that we do today. Louis Pasteur has been quoted as saying the following: “Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity”.
Fortunately persistence is one of those personal qualities that can be developed. This is good news since is an absolutely vital ingredient for success in any field, but especially in business, sales, research and any area that requires a problem-solving approach.
Ian Ash ACC, AInstIB
Managing Director OrgMent Talent Solutions - www.omtalent.com.au