No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world. – Robin Williams

Some time ago, I was in an old store that, among other things, had an old antique typewriter. It instantly brought back memories of my days in college before computers. And yes, this does make me feel rather old.

In those days, especially before working on some major paper, we would have to stock up on paper, white-out, and make sure the ribbon was good before beginning. It was a tedious process, but back in the day, it’s what we did.

The old typewriter I used in college was not as old as the one that is pictured, but it took me down memory lane nonetheless. It also got me to thinking about a few leadership lessons from the typewriter. See if any of these resonate with you.

Every keystroke matters

Back in my college days, we didn’t have the luxury of the backspace or delete button any time we hit the wrong key. We had to be careful and make sure every keystroke was right. Turning in a paper with a bunch of corrections with white-out was not good.

In leadership, this teaches us that our words matter. Every criticism and word of encouragement leaves an impression that people will remember long after you have forgotten them. What marks are you leaving on your team?

There is no delete key

With an old typewriter, my mistakes simply couldn’t disappear. We would have to live with them, or start over.

In leadership, we make mistakes. Great leaders don’t pretend that they never happened; they own them, correct them, and learn from them. People don’t expect perfection; they expect honesty.

One key doesn’t write the story

Every leader has a role. Every team member has a role, and each one is relevant. Remove a few letters from the keyboard and writing becomes difficult. Words are incomplete. Stories are never told.

In leadership, every member of the team matters. Some people receive more attention than others, but every role contributes to the final product. It’s a team win.

The ribbon must be replaced

Eventually, the ribbon on the old typewriters would fade.  Their usefulness would come to an end. The words are still there, but they’re faint and hard to read.

After many years in leadership, here’s what I know: leaders need renewal. Without rest, learning, reflection, and growth, our influence begins to fade. You can’t keep pouring into others if you have stopped investing in yourself.

Speed isn’t everything

A computer can produce pages in a matter of minutes. Technology has forever changed the game. An old typewriter demands a slower pace, and more thought is required for every word.

In leadership, first decisions aren’t always wise decisions. The next time you are in a meeting and everyone is sitting around the table, pay attention to the one speaking last. That’s usually the voice of wisdom. Additionally, some conversations deserve careful thought; some emails shouldn’t be sent immediately. Always remember that wisdom often moves more slowly than urgency.

The sound tells you progress is being made

The rhythmic clicking of the old typewriter is part of the experience. It reminds you that something is being created.

In leadership, progress isn’t always dramatic.

Culture is built one conversation, decision, moment, and act of integrity at a time. Leadership is often the accumulation of small, consistent actions.

Every finished page started blank

Every novel or speech began with a single keystroke.

Every successful organization started with someone’s first courageous step.

Don’t become overwhelmed by the finished product; focus on today’s next right decision.

In closing: remember that an old typewriter teaches us that leadership isn’t about flashy technology or quick fixes. It’s about making each action count, accepting responsibility, consistent effort, and recognizing that every person helps write the story.

 

©2026 Doug Dickerson