Edison
wanted his experimental teams competition with one
another, believing that this would motivate them greater
efforts. the other hand, was feared when lost his
temper, and his men knew that "could wither one with his
biting sarcasm ridicule one into extinction.
The lab presented disorganized exterior the casual
visitor, who usually came away impresssed with the democratic
work style and the lack formality. the top the hierachy stood Edison and the pantheon
of "the boys"— position here could lead fame and fortune. Yet there was hierachy
at the laboratory, and did motivate and mould the work
force.Edison let
his men know when was pleased displeased with their work,
and any time the lab some teams were Edison's
displeasure while some enjoyed his favor." The great competition between
experimenters the lab, and their powerful ambitions, often
led feuds between them.Ill- 15
Edison could charming man, and knew how use
his great personal charisma, especially newsmen and venture
capitalists. one point reviewed the work project and
noted that "there great rivalry, which seems good
thing all around." The men all knew the score and strived be
in the enviable position Edison's favorite experimenter,
especially when displeasure might lead dismissal.
The lab was full ambitious young men who saw their future in
. One member the lab
wrote that some teams were "on the ragged edge" and some were
20
"the favorites
