The Atlantic magazine asked a number of experts to weigh in on the following question: "What was the worst business decision ever made?" Listen to what some of the experts said:
- "In the mid-1970s, a young engineer named Steve Sasson invented the world's first digital camera. He secured a patent for it on behalf of his employer, then pitched his bosses on a new business model based on the invention. They passed. Today, digital cameras are ubiquitous—and Sasson's company, Kodak, is emerging from bankruptcy." (Daniel Pink).
- "In 1983, Coca-Cola launched New Coke, a weapon in its losing market-share battle with Pepsi. But consumers boycotted, and just three months later, Coke brought back Coca-Cola Classic. By 1986, Coke was back on top, and some alleged it was all a marketing scheme!" (Melissa Lee)
- "McDonald's decision to sell Chipotle in 2006. What were they thinking? We know what they weren't thinking: that Americans are losing faith in the food chain that McDonald's exploits and instead want healthy fare." (Jim Cramer).
- "Apple's firing of Steve Jobs in 1985 set the company back for a dozen years and drove it to near-bankruptcy. Apple only saved itself by rehiring him in 1997, at which point he went on to make Apple the most financially valuable—and influential—tech company in the world." (Walt Mossberg).
Possible Preaching Angles: (1) Folly; Foolishness; Fools; Wisdom—At times we display just as much foolishness in our spiritual lives. That's why we need to pray for God's wisdom. (2) Failure; Mistakes—Even excellent companies and smart people make big mistakes. We will too. (3) Receiving Christ—These decisions pale in comparison to the worst decision anyone can make—rejecting Christ.
