“Nobody ever got fired for buying IBM.” That famous statement was uttered by many company executives in the past when IBM was the most dominant IT technology provider in the world. Since I work with so many high-tech companies, I can tell you that the influence of IBM is still pervasive today. It’s amazing how many senior company leaders (CEOs, COOs, VPs of Sales, etc.) I meet who worked for IBM at one point during their career.
A few weeks ago I had the most interesting conversation with a former IBM’er over dinner. We were discussing the IBM culture and what had made the company so great when he told me something I had never knew—many years ago IBM had a rally song that employees had to sing! It was titled “Ever Onward” and he was able to recite a few bars which I found both fascinating and entertaining. After some research, I was able to find the lyrics for the entire song:
There's
a thrill in store for all,
For we're about to toast,
The corporation known in every land.
We're here to cheer each pioneer
And also proudly boast
Of that "man of men," our friend and guiding hand.
The name of T. J. Watson means a courage none can stem;
And we feel honored to be here to toast the "IBM."
EVER ONWARD -- EVER ONWARD!
That's the spirit that has brought us fame!
We're big, but bigger we will be
We can't fail for all can see
That to serve humanity has been our aim!
Our products now are known, in every zone,
Our reputation sparkles like a gem!
We've fought our way through -- and new
Fields we're sure to conquer too
For the EVER ONWARD I.B.M.
EVER ONWARD -- EVER ONWARD!
We're bound for the top to never fall!
Right here and now we thankfully
Pledge sincerest loyalty
To the corporation that's the best of all!
Our leaders we revere, and while we're here,
Let's show the world just what we think of them!
So let us sing, men! SING, MEN!
Once or twice then sing again
For the EVER ONWARD I.B.M.
What’s your reaction to the song? Well, first I’m not sure the folks in HR would be too excited about some of the lyrics today. But the song does make some interesting points when you think about it. The first verse proudly acknowledges the company’s great pioneering lineage, the second verse is about individual responsibility (We can't fail for all can see), and the final verse is basically a loyalty pledge. So, if you had to write a song about your company what would it be titled and what would words would you sing? Moreover, what do you do to motivate your sales team and how do you get everyone to sing the same tune to customers?
Ever Onward!
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