Wal Mart: A model in motivation

Wal Mart: A model in motivation:

"This situation as recalled by Fortune reporter John Huey, typifies the management style of Sam Walton, founder of and inspiration behind Wal-Mart. For many years, such situations were commonplace as Walton and his tape recorder visited stores around the country. Until the organization became too big, he visited every Wal-Mart store at least once a year.

Right now there are probably about 30 stores I’ve never been to and a launch of others I haven’t seen in more than a little while, said Walton in the fall of 1991. I’ve got to get to ‘em soon”. From one store in 1962, he developed his organization into a $40 billion enterprise by the time of his death 30 years later. Walton never lost the personal touch. He was adored by his employees and took every step necessary including buying airplanes for the Wal-Mart air force claimed were responsible for his company’s success."

I keep a focus on Wal Mart and Google on one of my other blogs. Both of them seem to be able to thrive in every environment all over the world. Is the secret as simple as top management walking into every shop and observing carefully. These days it's called data mining and metrics. But it is pretty much getting granular information to the folks who have the power to do something about it. Faster rather than not faster.