The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation

by Jon Gertner

Fisk was liked the same way that Kelly was feared. Soon enough, he became known for “Fiskian” aphorisms: “When you don’t know what to do,” he would say, “do something.” Or: “We have now successfully passed all our deadlines without meeting any of them.”

They were not to work with their doors closed. They were not to refuse help to a colleague, regardless of his rank or department, when it might be necessary. And perhaps most important, the supervisor was authorized to guide, not interfere with, the people he (or she) managed.