Wednesday, March 22, 2001
7:30 a.m. |
 |
|
|
"Technology's Done Got Into Everything"
|
|
 Jim Young in his frequent speeches to employees, graduates, and other groups, Jim Young often includes this advice: "Save string." That's his unique way of encouraging people to look for connections in everyone and everything they encounter.
"When I read a book, have a conversation, or hear a presentation, I usually come away with ideas worth saving," Young explains. "Those ideas become small pieces that I add to this big, virtual ball of string that I carry with me. When I later talk with someone else, I may think about some pieces on that ball - perhaps a person they should know, a book they should read, or a concept they can use. Sharing those pieces of string with others has led to some rewarding relationships.
"One outcome is a Rolodex file any mover and shaker would be proud of: 6,000 people and counting. It not only enabled him to open doors for others within his company - "Who do you know at XYZ Corporation?" - it helped him put together things that aren't as apparent. "My position at EDS operated in the white spaces between the boxes on the organization chart," Young says. "I was constantly looking for connections that could add value, maybe between boxes on the org chart or between an EDS box and an outside organization.
One valuable connection got its start when Young heard a presentation by renowned scientist and Titanic discoverer Dr. Robert Ballard. "As I listened, I realized we could work together. I introduced myself and EDS to Bob and it ultimately led to the company becoming the IT provider and founding sponsor for the JASON Project, the world's premier distance learning program. Through JASON, we furthered scientific efforts, showcased EDS' technical capabilities, and, most importantly, supported EDS' then number-one community priority - education - by reaching almost 3 million students and teachers around the world each year.
Young is also dedicated to education, especially to the concept of life-long learning. It's part of his search for the new ideas that fuel his creativity - and, of course, add to that ball of string.
Career Highlights
Jim Young is a consultant and speaker. His focus is on business effectiveness and improvement and his areas of expertise include change, creativity, technology and leadership. He is Chairman of The Margate Group and a member of the National Speakers Association. In 1999, he retired from EDS after a thirty-four year career at that company.
After five years with IBM, Young joined EDS in 1965 as a systems engineer - and the company's 40th employee. During his tenure, he worked in sales and marketing, managed corporate communications, managed strategic planning, and led numerous special projects for the corporation. He spent more than twelve years as assistant to the chairman of EDS.
Young earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Mississippi State University in 1960 and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from Central Michigan University in 1998. He and his wife, Carole, have two grown children, Kelly and Jim Jr.
Jim Young serves on the boards, advisory councils, and/or executive committees of numerous organizations. |
|
|
|
|
Read the article about Teleportec in Dallas-Fort Worth TechBiz magazine online:
www.dfwtechbiz.com
Or go directly to their website:
www.teleportec.com
|
