The Wright Way: 7 Problem-Solving Principles from the Wright Brothers That Can Make Your Business Soar,   ISBN:9780814414613

Customer Rating: 

This book provides some useful approaches to successful problem solving techniques derived from two extremely successful problem solvers - the Wright Brothers. Great read, very interesting historical details, and very practical and useful advice - all in one book.

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The Wright Way: 7 Problem-Solving Principles from the Wright Brothers by Mark Eppler, offers well-written and entertaining insights on how to achieve goals. However, the Wright Brothers were unable to translate their initial ingenuity and passion into on-going development of and profit from their invention, the powered, heavier-than-air craft. So, from a business perspective, they achieved only half of what they hoped to accomplish whilst achieving immortality by being "first" (and, that claim is disputed).

In this 200 page book, the difficulties the Wrights experienced from competition and their unsuccessful response to it is meaningfully-treated in the Epilogue, pages 181 to 185. Yet, in this litigious world of stiff competition and attempted protectionism, this part of the story is as instructive to the entrepreneur and leader as is the first part, that of initial insight and conquest.

The Wrights tended to be fearful that others (even potential customers!) would discover the secrets of their design. This drove them not only to secrecy (which kept them out of the public eye) but also to lethargy, as they chose to litigate (seek government protection) rather than innovate. They were, literally, left in the dust as others openly experimented and promoted.

The biggest mistake any entrepreneur or leader can do is to try to control others or events. Much better to control one's own emotions and passions by keeping one's eye on the mark, i.e. building a better product or service. (Could American auto manufacturers take a lesson from the Wrights' mis-response to competition?)
A parallel to the Wright-Curtis, et al. struggle can be found in the adversarial relationship between Thomas Edison (who insisted upon the electrical transmission of DC, i.e. direct current) and George Westinghouse (who advocated AC, ie. alternating current, upon which the electrical grid is based).

In many ways, the saga of the Wrights is tragic: not only to them (unfulfilled promise and personal bitterness), but to the aviators who lost their lives flying ill-designed Wright Flyers.

Again, Eppler's book is well-written and instructive regarding what it takes to bring an idea to fruition. But an idea brought to fruition must then be brought to market or else it is useless. Thankfully for all, the Wrights inspired others who, without fear and desire for control, saw farther.

I look forward to a more extensive treatment of the second half of the Wrights' story by Mr. Eppler. He will make it fascinating!

Customer Rating: 

The Wright brothers were an amazing team. Working part time, these two previously undistinguished bicycle dealers from Dayton, Ohio, solved a problem that had baffled, frustrated and defeated (sometimes fatally) some of the most well-educated, well-capitalized and well known scientific entrepreneurs of their and all prior time. The story of how and why they succeeded in creating and flying the first airplane is not only fascinating, but also rich in didactic value for parents, teachers and businesspeople. Author Mark Eppler does an admirable job of drawing you into the story of the Wright brothers. We relishe the problem-solving principles he defines, which are, at times, refreshingly unorthodox. He abstracts these principles well and phrases them clearly, but the best demonstration of the principles lies in his retelling of the Wright brothers' absorbing story. A very good book indeed.

Customer Rating: 

The Wright brothers were an amazing team. Working part time, these two previously undistinguished bicycle dealers from Dayton, Ohio, solved a problem that had baffled, frustrated and defeated (sometimes fatally) some of the most well-educated, well-capitalized and well known scientific entrepreneurs of their and all prior time. The story of how and why they succeeded in creating and flying the first airplane is not only fascinating, but also rich in didactic value for parents, teachers and businesspeople. Author Mark Eppler does an admirable job of drawing you into the story of the Wright brothers. Relishing the problem-solving principles he defines, which are, at times, refreshingly unorthodox. He abstracts these principles well and phrases them clearly, but the best demonstration of the principles lies in his retelling of the Wright brothers' absorbing story. A very good book indeed.

Customer Rating: 

I have made it a point to read all the best selling business books to keep abreast of any new concepts in selling and management. Most books are long on theory and short on application. Or worse, very entertaining, but lacking enough detail do to anything more than enjoy the read!

The Wright Way is masterfully written to offer the reader problem solving principles related to issues that companies are experiencing NOW along with an added bonus of historical context and current events that emphasize relevancy. Technology has made it possible for companies of all sizes to become global thereby increasing the challenges (problems) a business can face. Mr. Eppler presents the reader with an outline that companies can employ whether the problem be related to technology, product lines, facilites, mergers, markets or culture within the organization. The Wright Way is not only a read, but a re-read!