Stories, legends, and myths about corporate heroes circulated through the organization
and did much to communicate and sustain the cultural values underlying H-P’s success. New
recruits were treated to slide presentations that showed how “Bill and Dave” started the company
in Bill’s garage and used the Hewlett oven for making some of the first products. On another
occasion they learned that when Bill Hewlett visited a plant one Saturday and found the lab stock
area locked he immediately cut the padlock, leaving a note saying “Don’t ever lock this door
again. Thanks, Bill.” Along with more formal statements of company philosophy, the message
soon hits home: At H-P we trust and value you. You’re free to be enthusiastic about your job
even if it’s Saturday and to innovate and contribute in whatever way you can. Even though
Hewlett-Packard is now spread across many continents, the founding spirit of “Bill and Dave”
still pervades the company.