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June 19, 2006
Lessons Learned: The Capacity of the Individual...

by Raymond Plank

“Where does one start when considering a lifetime of learning the business of business?  I suppose it depends on the mood and the moment and this morning holds a good example of both.  I left the parking ramp by its front entrance and came into our building through the south doors, passing on the way the Apache fountain with its quote about the infinite capacity of the individual.

“I have thought often about those words first uttered when I was in my 30s, and how they apply to today’s Apache.  I have always believed in giving people the opportunity to become all they can become, challenging them to harvest the psychological and material rewards of jobs well done.  Through the 50-plus years of Apache’s march to critical mass, many good people have come and gone.  Yet Apache continues to thrive.  I believe that is due in large part to the culture behind the quote.

“Any company that survives as long as ours has a culture and an attitude that separates winners from losers.  The people behind our culture have fueled and sustained our growth.  I am immeasurably proud of them and whatever role these words may have played in the process.” 

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About the Author

Raymond Plank, Apache Corporation’s Chairman and founder, has a long list of colorful quotes and stories accumulated over more than 50 years at the company’s helm.  Each in its own way is instructive and from each can be drawn a Lesson Learned.  Also, through editorials and speaking engagements, his voice has been an inspiration for industry and governmental reforms.  He will periodically share them here in Explore!  See Management Team bio