It Is One Man

Year Published: 1968

Creator: Mickey Schwarz Productions; IBM

Description: The film "It Is One Man..." was produced by Mickey Schwarz Productions for IBM. This salesman recruiting and/or corporate culture film presents a thoughtful reflection on the personal meaning of work, emphasizing that beyond paychecks and productivity, a job at IBM serves as a space for self-discovery and personal growth. It opens with the idea that everyone needs quiet moments to reflect and reset, highlighting the importance of downtime. Through a workplace scenario involving a technical issue with a computer with a sales report, it showcases collaboration, problem-solving, and accountability. The narrative then shifts to explore how individuals seek visibility, recognition, and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions. It underscores that true fulfillment comes from living up to personal standards and striving for excellence, even when working alone. Ultimately, the film concludes that a job is a journey of self-definition, where success is measured not just by external outcomes, but by how well we meet the expectations we set for ourselves. 0:00: The film opens with a reflective moment, emphasizing the need for occasional solitude and downtime, even in a fast-paced world. This is framed as essential for self-awareness and mental clarity. 2:10: A technical issue arises at work regarding a sales report. A discussion between colleagues reveals a discrepancy in program output. They go over diagnostics, program listings, and schedule a fix, illustrating teamwork, troubleshooting, and accountability in a professional setting. 4:59: A voiceover discusses the personal meaning of work. While everyone has different goals, most seek visibility, recognition, and the chance to contribute meaningfully. Work becomes more than a job—it’s a way to measure personal growth and ability. 7:30: A brief technical explanation is given about coding and data processing within a system (including codes 0 and 9, file reconciliation, and automation). It's a glimpse into the operational mechanics behind the scenes. 9:07:– Returning to the theme of solitude, the narrative highlights the dignity in striving alone for excellence and self-respect. It reinforces the idea that personal standards, not external validation, are the true measure of a person’s work. 10:16: – Standards vary—from doing a job well to being the best—but individuals consistently test themselves against their own benchmarks. The internal judgment of one’s own effort and integrity is emphasized over external opinions. 11:33: The film concludes with the idea that a job is a personal journey to define and respect oneself. People bring skills, endurance, and identity to their work and take away both tangible and intangible rewards. Ultimately, it is individual character and self-respect that make an enterprise successful.

Online Copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91vuojjXdPw

Metadata Source:YouTube