Titan’s Three Titanic Takeaways

Titan by Ron Chernow is a miles-deep study of one of America’s best businesspeople and most complicated people, John D. Rockefeller. The book is a masterful story that dives headfirst into Rockefeller’s complex character. Aside from lessons about human nature generally, I came away with three takeaways from John D. Rockefeller’s life that are applicable to any professional, even if they arrived too late on this earth to master America’s oil industry—his mastery of delegation, his unshakable composure, and his transformative philanthropy.

The Power of Delegation: Build the Right Team and Trust Them

It is no secret that every leader must delegate at some point, but we all struggle to do so! One of Rockefeller’s greatest strengths was his ability to surround himself with talented individuals and empower them to make key decisions. While many current leaders struggle to relinquish control, Rockefeller succeeded explicitly due to his trust in his inner circle.

Key figures in Standard Oil’s success included:

• Henry Flagler:?Negotiated crucial railroad rebates that gave Standard Oil its competitive edge.
• John Archbold:?Managed the company’s day-to-day operations with efficiency and precision.
• Charles Pratt:?Helped integrate acquisitions into a cohesive, powerhouse organization.
• William Rockefeller (his brother):?Led Standard Oil’s European expansion.

These all sound like things that a business legend like Rockefeller would do. Not so fast! By entrusting his colleagues with significant responsibilities, Rockefeller was free to do what most in charge should do: focus on the big picture. The result? Standard Oil managed to remain efficient, adaptable, and innovative even as it grew mammoth-like in size—something today’s leaders can learn from. Delegation isn’t about giving up control; it’s about putting the right people in the right roles and letting them excel.

Unshakable Composure: Mastering the Art of Staying Calm Under Pressure

Running any organization is a proverbial instant pot of pressure. However, despite running a business that was the target of competitors and the government, Rockefeller was a master of maintaining composure and making smart business decisions while others panicked. He understood that panic leads to poor choices and consistently remained calm even when faced with adversity.

Some of his most remarkable displays of composure include:

• The 1870s Economic Panic:?In a tale as old as time, while others crumbled, Rockefeller used the downturn to acquire struggling competitors at bargain prices.
• The Standard Oil Trust Breakup (1911):?Instead of resisting or reacting emotionally when Standard Oil was ruled to be a monopoly and thus ordered to break up, Rockefeller accepted the Supreme Court ruling and turned the breakup into a financial windfall, as the newly independent companies skyrocketed in value. Many companies you have heard of today are bricks once part of the great Standard Oil business compound. Some of these include ExxonMobil?(formerly Standard Oil of New Jersey and Standard Oil of New York), Chevron?(formerly Standard Oil of California), BP?(which acquired parts of Standard Oil of Ohio), Marathon Petroleum?(formerly part of Standard Oil of Ohio), ConocoPhillips?(which includes former Standard Oil assets)

Rockefeller saw every setback as a temporary challenge rather than an insurmountable obstacle. For today’s business leaders, the lesson is clear: composure breeds clarity, and clarity leads to more intelligent decisions. To facilitate this, I like to implement a three-step manta: Detach (take a deep breath), Orient (think about the situation), and Decide (take action).

Philanthropy as a Legacy: Giving Back with Intention

The part of Rockefeller’s character that I enjoyed the most was his philanthropy. While some argue he did so to counteract his then-awful public reputation, his later years were marked by an unwavering commitment to giving money rather than making it. His approach wasn’t just about writing checks—it was about creating lasting change.

Some of his most impactful contributions include:

• Education:?He donated over $80 million to establish the University of Chicago and heavily funded Spelman College, a pioneering institution for African American women.
• Medical Research:?He founded the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research (now Rockefeller University), leading to groundbreaking scientific and medical advancements.
• Public Health Initiatives:?His money almost singlehandedly eradicated hookworm in the Southern US.

Rockefeller seemed to enjoy giving away his money to worthwhile causes more than making it.

Final Thoughts

Rockefeller’s mastery of delegation, his ability to remain calm under pressure, and his commitment to philanthropy are principles that remain relevant today. Whether you’re leading a business, navigating personal challenges, or considering your long-term impact, these lessons can help guide your journey.

Which of these lessons resonates most with you? Drop your thoughts in the comments!