Outliers, a Revolution of Machine and Mind
Dan Kelly, a group presidents years ago was a collaborator in my career, when our company was faced with the inordinate challenge an unyielding prime client. The client demanded we reduce machinery costs 50%, or lose the business opportunity. When I say Dan was a collaborator it had specific definition. Dan came in my office and shut the door, he asked if my idea was so good would I put by job on the line. The opportunity was present and I had the determination to take the risk and work towards a solution. Dan left after promising to fully fund and support my efforts.
A reward was being put in a change supporting position, expectations were exceeded with an innovative electro-mechanical design that the client fully endorsed. The result was more than a 50% cost reduction as well as a system that aligned products as much as 10X more accurately. This system was used extensively in the high volume production of ink jet cartridges.