The Soul of the Firm

Front Cover
Zondervan, 1996 - Business & Economics - 176 pages
'Bill Pollard speaks with a voice of experience. His book deals with the practice of leadership- over time, under pressure, living with reality, getting the desired results. The Soul of the Firm tells how ServiceMaster has successfully grapple with the key issues of leadership. That is why it is so worthwhile.' -Max De Pree 'Bill Pollard demonstrates in great detail ServiceMaster's value system, a system that emphasizes the importance of the dignity of the individual. Readers will benefit greatly from Bill's wisdom. This is an important book that should be widely read.' -W. Earl Sasser, James L. Heskett, and Leonard A. Schlesinger 'Rarely are we given an open and generous look inside the corporate leader who is the embodiment of the mission and values of the enterprise. . . A powerful book.' -Frances Hesselbein 'A fascinating story about servant leadership and an extraordinary culture at ServiceMaster.' -Richard L. Thomas 'A remarkable book. . . . ServiceMaster invented 'lea production' for the service sector by listening to and empowering its employees on the front line. This book is the moving story of the wellspring of that culture and philosophy, told by a reflective, modest corporate leader.' -Elmer Johnson
 

Contents

Carlos H Cantu
9
More Than a Pair of Hands
25
Do Not Back Away from the D Word
35
Harness the Power of Purpose
45
The Firm the Family and the Promises
61
Why Do People Work Anyway?
67
Productivity as a Virtue
79
How Structure Can Strangle the Soul
85
People Innovate and Improve as They
91
Empowerment Comes from Power
101
Learning Is Everybodys Business
113
Servant Leadership Makes Good Things
127
Build on the Ordinary and Expect
147
Copyright

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About the author (1996)

C. William Pollard joined ServiceMaster in 1977, and served in a number of leadership positions, including CEO from 1983 to 1993. He is currently the company chairman and lives in Wheaton, IL.

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