I’ve always envied the genius of Sherlock Holmes.
Perhaps this is why I make a good Dr. Watson.
John Watson plays a central supporting role in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories as Holmes’s friend, associate, and chronicler.
The stories just wouldn’t be the same without Watson. He serves several key functions that make Sherlock the legendary figure that he is.
In the language of EOS, Watson was an integrator, Holmes the visionary.
The visionary sets the course; the integrator ensures the crew works together to move the ship in the right direction.
Watson is the primary narrator. He tells the story of his mad-genius friend. If Sherlock were telling his own story, it just wouldn’t be relatable. For Sherlock to live the story, Watson must tell it. Sherlock cannot do both.
The visionary founder functions best when s/he has a Watson to tell their story.
Watson acts as a foil to Holmes, representing the archetypal Edwardian gentleman in contrast to Holmes’s brilliant but emotionally detached analytical mind.
Your Watson must complement your visionary capabilities. Another you is not complementary but combative; hire your opposite not your doppelganger.
Watson acts as an audience surrogate, reacting with wonder at Holmes’s deductions, mirroring the reader’s amazement and making the stories more engaging.
Amplifying wonder is a marvelously effective marketing technique.
Perhaps most importantly, Watson demonstrates unwavering fidelity and friendship to Holmes, accompanying him through the most dangerous avenues and adventures.
If your mission is worth a damn, it’s going to be a hell of a battle. Don’t underestimate the value of loyalty.
Doyle knew that Watson’s presence would be essential to the appeal of the Sherlock Holmes stories, and so he played Watson to his fullest advantage. In doing so, it was Doyle’s Watson that most helped to establish such an enduring literary character.
You may be the mad genius, the visionary, the driving force behind your company’s mission, but pause to consider this: who is your Watson?
