Read an excerpt from the book
When I first discovered that my nickname among some members
of staff at Virgin was 'Dr Yes', I was amused. Obviously, it had
come about because my automatic response to a question, a
request, or a problem is more likely to be positive than negative.
I have always tried to find reasons to do something if it seems
like a good idea, than not to do it.
My motto really is: 'Screw it - just do it!'
I know many people say 'no', or 'let me think about it',
as an almost Pavlovian response when asked a question,
whether it's about something small and insignificant or big
and revolutionary. Perhaps they are over-cautious, or
suspicious of new ideas, or simply need time to think. But
that's not my way of going about things. If something is
a good idea, my way is to say 'Yes, I'll consider it' - and
then to work out how to make it happen. Of course, I
don't say yes to everything. But what is worse: making the
occasional mistake or having a closed mind and missing
opportunities?
I believe in using and harnessing other people's knowledge
and experience, which is why I like to work
holistically, within a team. Harnessing energy is like
harnessing brainpower. What's the point of selecting
someone for a particular task if you ignore his or her
experience and ability? It's like consulting experts and not
even considering their advice.
I also trust my own instinct and ability to do almost
anything I set my mind to. If an idea or project is good
and worthwhile, if it's humanly possible I'll always
consider it seriously, even if I have never done it, or
thought about it, before. I will never say, 'I can't do this
because I don't know how to.' I'll ask people, look into
it, find a way. Looking, listening, learning - these are
things we should do all our lives, not just at school.
Then there are those silly little rules that someone has
invented for baffling reasons. I always think that if you set
up quangos or committees, they will find something
useless to do. The world is full of red tape, created by
committees with too much time and an overbearing desire
for control. Most red tape is a tangled mess of utterly
useless, nonsensical jargon. If I want to do something
worthwhile - or even just for fun - I won't let silly rules
stop me. I will find a legal way around rules and give it a
go. I tell my staff, 'If you want to do it, just do it.' That
way, we all benefit. The staff's work and ideas are valued,
they feel good about themselves and Virgin gains from
their input and drive. People generally don't leave their
jobs through lack of pay - they leave because they aren't
valued.Many companies put their people in boxes - if you
are a switchboard operator, you are always a switchboard
operator. But we value our people and encourage them to
be adaptable and innovative.
If you recognise something is a good idea, or if there's
something in your personal life that you want to do, but
aren't immediately sure how to achieve your goal, I don't
believe that that little word 'can't' should stop you. If you
don't have the right experience to reach your goal, go in
another direction, look for a different way in. There's
always a solution to the most complex problem. If you
want to fly, get down to the airfield at the age of sixteen
and make the tea. Keep your eyes open. Look and learn.
You don't have to go to art school to be a fashion
designer. Join a fashion company and push a broom.
Work your way up.
- Screw It, Let's Do It
