This We Believe: The Goodwill of People is the Sole Substance, the Rest is Shadow
Here is a story inspired by the philosophy of SC Johnson and the quote, " The goodwill of people is the sole substance, the rest is shadow ." *** The boardroom of the Johnson Wax building was silent, save for the rhythmic tapping of rain against the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed glass tubing. It was 1928. Herbert F. Johnson Jr. stood by the window, looking out not at the sprawling factory, but at the small figures of workers hurrying home under umbrellas. On the mahogany table behind him lay a stack of financial reports. They were good. The numbers were black, the margins healthy. The company his grandfather had started on a parquet floor was now a global enterprise. Yet, a gnawing unease had settled in Herbert’s chest. His advisors had spent the afternoon pitching efficiency. *“Cut the profit-sharing,”* one had suggested. *“Automate the packaging line faster, even if it displaces the older staff,”* said another. *“The market demands leaner operations.”* Herbert turned away fro...
