Can anyone really imagine working for one of the most technically advanced companies in the world, where everyone knows their job so well that there are no unnecessary meetings? Where the only objective of a meeting is to seek or pass on information, where there are no formal agendas, out-of-date minutes or meaningless reports, just a few notes as an aide memoir, where normally no more than three are present, most take place next to a drawing board or at lunch or on the way to lunch? Yet everyone knows exactly what was going on? A company without red tape, where all the rules, procedures and protocols are held in a few easy to understand, up to date "company practices" manuals?
Such a company did exist. It was managed by not only one of the finest aircraft designers of all time but also one of the most inspirational leaders of the last century. The company was Vickers-Armstrong/BAC at Weybridge, in Surrey, the time was the 1960s and 1970s and the man was of course Sir George Edwards, who sadly died on 2 March this year. He will be remembered by everyone that had the privilege to work for him.
Brian Christley Abergele, Wales, UK
Source: Flight International