3M: A Legacy Of Ingenuity, Innovation, and Impact

In the tapestry of innovation, few stories are as compelling as 3M - a company that transformed itself from a modest mining venture into a global powerhouse of ingenuity. This is a story of not just the company itself but of reinvention, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of solutions - something that every entrepreneur and dreamer can absorb and reflect upon.

The company’s story started in 1902 where in Two Harbors, Minnesota, five businessmen embarked on a mining venture, aiming to capitalize on a mineral used for grinding wheels. Naming their company Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, little did they know that this humble beginning was the start of a global behemoth - later known to the world simply as 3M.

Their first venture was a failure. The mineral they mined was of low quality and not suitable for their intended purpose. However, instead of conceding defeat, 3M pivoted, a decision that would become a hallmark of its long history. They moved into sandpaper products which ended up succeeding - laying the foundation for their future success.

Shortly after, 3M began its culture of innovation. In the 1920s, the company made a groundbreaking leap with the invention of waterproof sandpaper, followed by masking tape and, later, the revolutionary Scotch tape. These were not just products; they were solutions to everyday problems, a theme that would define 3M’s ethos.

Many of their products such as their range of adhesives are used as components in other items. Some companies try to find a problem and build a solution to fix it. 3M on the other hand managed to create solutions looking for a problem and found many since they were so good.

You might not realize it but 3M products are all around you - making many parts of your life that little bit easier. The most commons ones you’ve probably encountered are below:

Post It Notes

This was started as a traditional solution looking for a problem. When a weak adhesive was invented, there were opinions that no one would want it. However, 3M employees eventually found a way to commercialize it. While the adhesive couldn’t be used to glue parts together, it was perfect for what became the iconic Post-It-Note.

Water Resistant Sandpaper

This was an early innovation which helped catapult the company into what it is today after a string of early failures. While it might seem commonplace today, back then, sandpaper wasn’t water resistant and didn’t work well in wet environments.

Scotch Tape

This classic innovation is a testament to how long something can last for if done well. The tape became a go to solution for numerous tasks like sticking paper together, wrapping products, covering dents in places, etc. Simple and affordable, sometimes using a solution such as Scotch Tape doesn’t result in perfection. However, so long as the end outcome is good enough, it will satisfy people to use it again.

Reflective Traffic Signs

You may not notice it but most modern traffic signs are reflective. They’ve been for a while hence it’s second nature for people today. However, this wasn’t always the case. In 1937, an employee at 3M developed glass bead based reflective tape that reflected light better than existing competitors. This paved the road for signs that are easier to see at night.

Scotch-Brite Sponges

This is another classic product that weaved its way into many households. Most sponges have 2 sides, a softer side and a harder side. Bet you didn’t know much of the development of the harder side for scrubbing was pioneered at 3M. Now it’s so common, it’s become the standard for sponges.

Thinsulate

Commonly used in insulated clothing, this material is considered "the warmest thin apparel insulation" available - especially true when it was released back in 1979. In fact, when equal thicknesses are compared, it provides about one and a half times the warmth of down and about twice the warmth of other high-loft insulation materials. As a result it’s found its way into clothing and accessories where keeping warmth is hugely desired.

Innovation at 3M was never a happy accident. It was fostered through a unique corporate culture.  To sustain innovation, 3M employs multiple tactics. One such is called the 30% rule whereby 30% of each division’s revenues must come from products introduced in the last five years. This is tracked rigorously and employee bonuses are based on successful achievement of this goal. To better make use of this, 3M utilizes a three-tiered research structure and each research area has a unique focus. For short term products, they have Business Unit Laboratories where the focus is on specific markets. Sector Laboratories focus on applications with 3-to-10 year time horizons. Finally, Corporate Laboratories conduct basic research with a time horizon as long as 20 years.

Additionally, they also make use of 15% time (adopted back in 1948) whereby employees can set aside a portion of their work time to pursue innovative projects that excite them. This highlights the company's commitment to creativity and internal entrepreneurship. While coordinating with their manager to ensure day-to-day responsibilities are still completed, employees are given chances to try something new and different. This helps with creative thinking and challenging the status quo. Whether it’s experimenting with a new technology, forming a special interest group around a novel idea or finding a new way to run a process, 3M’s 15% time gives employees in many areas permission to innovate. Countless products have been created thanks to this rule including Multilayer Optical Film, Abrasive Grains and Post-It® Notes.

Finally the company has a culture of flexibility. While they understand not every innovation might find immediate impact, they might have uses later down the line. When this is combined with the huge variety of products 3M creates, it often results in gains. Unlike most companies that prefer to stick to a particular industry, 3M does almost everything. A key reason is that many managers at industry specific businesses are often biased towards their own areas and overlook those of others. This not only causes boredom amongst their employees but restricts the use of talent and ultimately new income sources. Having a culture of openness and variety enables employees to best make use of their capabilities and interests. Additionally, it also keeps them motivated and enthusiastic since their ideas are valued and they have freedom. If someone can do new things well, why not let them?

The sheer volume, breadth and functionality of 3M’s products highlights the importance of not only people but also a company’s process and culture for success.