The transcription recounts an anecdote about Henry Ford and a consultant discussing an employee who appeared to be idle. The consultant pointed out an employee sitting with his feet on the desk, earning $70,000 annually. Henry Ford confirmed this was accurate and explained that this employee had previously generated an idea that saved the company $5 million two years prior. This story highlights the value of innovative ideas, even if the originator doesn't appear to be actively working at all times.

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Henry Ford. Um, he got some consultants in and they said, "You seem to have a pretty well-run shop, Mr. Ford, but um, we don't quite get one thing. Uh, there's a guy down the end of the corridor who seems to sit around all day uh with his feet on the desk, but you pay him sort of $70,000 a year."

And Henry Ford replied, "Yeah, that's absolutely right."

He said, "Um, but the thing is two years ago that man had an idea that saved me $5 million."

Why Ford paid someone to do nothing

Henry Ford. Um he got some consultants
in and they said, "You seem to have a
pretty well-run shop, Mr. Ford, but um
we don't quite get one thing. Uh there's
a guy down the end of the corridor who
seems to sit around all day uh with his
feet on the desk, but you pay him sort
of $70,000 a year." And Henry Ford
replied, "Yeah, that's absolutely
right." He said, "Um, but the thing is
two years ago that man had an idea that
saved me $5 million.

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Why Ford paid someone to do nothing

Transcription