# In an op-ed, Prof. George Smith explains how executives can leverage the history of their companies

1 Faculty News December 1, 2012 ![Harvard Business Review logo](/sites/default/files/styles/246w/public/assets/images/con_032358.jpg?itok=cHztGP4H)>

Excerpt from the [Harvard Business Review](http://hbr.org/2012/12/your-companys-history-as-a-leadership-tool/ar/1) -- "A sophisticated understanding of the past is one of the most powerful tools we have for shaping the future."

[Read more](http://hbr.org/2012/12/your-companys-history-as-a-leadership-tool/ar/1)