# The Organization and the Impossible Task by Thomas J. Watson Jr. > “We believe an organization will stand out only if it is willing to take on seemingly impossible tasks.” > **— Thomas J. Watson Jr.**, *Simple Reminders on Real American Pride* ## Sources and Context - **Direct or authoritative text:** [THINK — IBM History](https://www.ibm.com/history/think) - **Series source and editorial context:** [[american/American Ethos - Simple Reminders on Real American Pride|Simple Reminders on Real American Pride]] — entry 054, “The Organization and the Impossible Task.” - **Why it belongs:** Institutional distinction is earned through difficult work, not brand language. ## Related Articles and Collections - **Collection:** [[collections/Simple Reminders|Simple Reminders]] - **Collection:** [[collections/American|American Collection]] - **Series source:** [[american/American Ethos - Simple Reminders on Real American Pride|Simple Reminders on Real American Pride]] - **American route:** [[american/American Ethos - Cultural Thesis 07 - Headquarters to Field|Headquarters to Field]] - **American route:** [[american/American Comportment - 06 - Meetings and Rooms|Meetings and Rooms]] ## Related Topics - [[wiki/American Invention|American Invention]] ## Share on Social Media ``` “We believe an organization will stand out only if it is willing to take on seemingly impossible tasks.” — Thomas J. Watson Jr., Simple Reminders on Real American Pride https://bryantmcgill.com/simple-reminders-real-american-pride-054-the-organization-and-the-impossible-task ```