Background of the Mark Twain Rule
The Mark Twain Rule first reached international popularity in 1983, when the author and legendary wit Mark Twain said of a similar idea: “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” Although this saying has come to be known as the “Mark Twain Rule” and can apply to life in general, it is most often used in business when a group is trying to make a decision. What the rule implies is that maybe you should consider the opposite of what everyone is saying or doing, and thatsometimes straying from the norm can pay off.
In a business setting, conformity is often mistaken for wisdom, but the Mark Twain Rule advocates for taking risks, or at least taking a step back and really considering your options before making a decision. It also provides an important reminder that trends and popular opinion should not control or dictate decisions that significantly affect the future of a business, or anyone’s life for that matter.
What the Experts Say about the Mark Twain Rule
Renowned successful businessmen and world leaders suggest the Mark Twain Rule as an alternative approach to traditional decision-making. They believe that it can be helpful in situations where there is a lot of opposition and debate, such as when trying to innovate and introduce something new. According to former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, “The time to take a risk is when there is no risk at all.” Similarly, Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, recommends people “listen to everyone”, but ultimately “go with your gut.”
Following the Mark Twain Rule, many successful people also credit their willingness to challenge the status quo with their success. For instance, Steve Jobs, former CEO of Apple, says that if you “had never dropped in on that single calligraphy course,” (The one he took after dropping out of college), the Macintosh computer “would never have had multiple typefaces and proportionally spaced fonts,” a feature he credits with the Macintosh’s success.
Analysis and Insights
Challenging the norm can be beneficial to personal and professional success, according to the Mark Twain Rule. In times of confusion or indecision, a change in perspective or attitude can bring about new results, or at least an interesting conversation. It is an attitude of confidence, of not being intimidated by the majority and having the courage to stand up for one’s convictions. It is also a reminder that a blind adherence to popular opinion does not always lead to the best outcome; there is potential for a greater payoff in taking the unconventional route.
The Mark Twain Rule encourages people to think independently, or from a fresh perspective, and it is often suggested that this same rule be applied when approaching creative projects. The same idea applies—rather than relying on trends or norms, take risks and take an original approach. Creative thinking is highly valued in the modern workplace and such an attitude can often lead to success. Ultimately, the rule implies that it is sometimes best to tap into your own intuition, rather than going with the flow.
Modern Day Examples of Following the Mark Twain Rule
Today, there are countless success stories of people who defied conventional wisdom, took a risk, and achieved amazing outcomes. A notable example is Marissa Mayer, former CEO of Yahoo. As the youngest CEO of a Fortune 500 company, Mayer was known for being bold and unconstrained by the status quo. She also highlighted the importance of making fearless decisions and boldly working on projects that had the potential to fail. In her words, “If you’re not failing every now and again, it’s a sign you’re not doing anything very innovative.”
Another example is Henry Ford, who, when told that his automobile would never be successful, responded “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” This demonstrated his willingness to think differently and to break out of the traditional thinking. This ultimately led to the success of the Ford Motor Company.
Advantages of Following the Mark Twain Rule
The Mark Twain Rule encourages creative and innovative thinking. It also helps to build greater confidence in decision-making and can be liberating in times of doubt. Making decisions with a strong sense of purpose and direction often leads to greater success. Additionally, it can increase your chances of success, build resilience, and create more opportunities.
Finally, following the Mark Twain Rule can lead to realizing untapped potential. Instead of sticking with what is safe and comfortable, you can push yourself out of your comfort zone and discover something new. This can be an immensely rewarding experience that leads to greater personal and professional growth.
Disadvantages of Following the Mark Twain Rule
Although the Mark Twain Rule can lead to great success, it can also be risky and have undesirable outcomes. Unlike following the herd, or relying on the status quo, the unexpected can be unpredictable. Therefore, it is important to weigh the risks and assess the situation critically before taking any risks.
This is especially important in business settings, as they require more caution and serious consideration. Taking risks in a business context can lead to expensive mistakes. Additionally, if decisions are not made carefully and executed properly, undesirable outcomes are possible. Therefore, it is important to prioritize safety and caution when trying to achieve success through unconventional methods.
Limitations of the Mark Twain Rule
Although the Mark Twain Rule can be beneficial, it is important to remember that conventional wisdom is usually based on experience, which can be another form of wisdom. Blindly taking risks and disregarding popular opinion can lead to poor outcomes, and there are some situations where it is best to not stray too far from established norms.
The Mark Twain Rule is also not a sure thing. There will always be some risk involved, no matter how thoughtfully you plan. It is also important to note that the process of making decisions is complex and it is never possibleto guaranteea successful outcome. It is possible that an unconventional approach will be successful, but just as likely it will not.
