In many cases, a small and daily growing computer company did not fall on hard times because people suddenly stopped wanting to buy its products. On the contrary, a company was more likely to asphyxiate on its own success.
In "The Soul of a New Machine," Tracy Kidder explores how a burgeoning computer company can face difficulties not due to a decline in customer interest, but rather because of the pressures that come with success. As companies grow, they often struggle with the complexities of managing change and scaling operations, which can lead to internal challenges that may threaten their viability.
This phenomenon highlights the irony that a company’s rapid success can actually create problems that hinder its progress. Instead of enjoying the fruits of their achievements, companies may find themselves overwhelmed by their own growth, ultimately leading to struggles that could jeopardize their future. Kidder’s insights remind us that success must be carefully managed to avoid self-destruction.
