If you ever hear the words conventional and wisdom…
““If you ever hear the words conventional and wisdom conjoined, reject them. Because if it is conventional, it isn’t wisdom. And if it’s wisdom, it isn’t conventional. —Herb Kelleher How has Southwest been able to attain uncommon results in the worst industry in capitalism? The company has succeeded by being unconventional. Herb likes to tell the story of how a Washington think tank told the company that it would not be able to survive without six of the “keys to success” that other carriers have used. Southwest followed none of those keys to success. At every point of Southwest’s history, the company has successfully challenged industry norms. Southwest differed from the competition because of its low-cost fares. In the 1970s, before deregulation, flying was expensive, because the government controlled the prices. Rollin King and Herb Kelleher’s idea was to provide lower fares and enable a greater number of Americans to fly. Southwest would not be competing with other airlines but with other forms of transportation.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Conventional ideas often clash with true insight; true wisdom must break from the status quo to create breakthrough results.
In simple terms: Wisdom isn’t conventional; break norms for success.
Key Takeaway
Challenge norms to innovate.
Themes
innovation
leadership
disruption
business strategy
industry norms
Mood
inspired
determined
optimistic
Type
business
leadership
motivational
When to use this quote
- airline pricing strategy
- startup growth
- organizational culture change
- market entry tactics
Key Concepts
creative thinking
strategic differentiation
risk taking
Questions to Reflect On
- What norms could your organization question?
- How do you balance tradition with innovation?
A Different Perspective
Conventional wisdom can sometimes be useful; rejecting all may ignore valuable lessons.