Sam Walton was an entrepreneur in the retail world. He had a burning ambition and believed that spirited competition was good for business. These characteristics combined with his inspiration lead me to think that Sam Walton would primarily be a “controller”. Sam was always seeking new ideas for his stores and handpicked the smartest guy from an IBM school to computerize his operations as early as 1966. He like other controllers, like fast-moving challenges and become bored if the pace is too slow. This characteristic can be best exemplified through his wife’s Helen Walton’s words, “I kept saying, Sam, we’re making a good living. Why go out, why expand so much more? The stores are getting farther and farther away. After the seventeenth store, though, I realized there wasn’t going to be any stopping it”
(Walton, 1992, p. 78).
Like many successful leaders, success did not come without much hard work and persistence. Growing up in a poor family and moving from Oklahoma to various towns in Missouri, did not deter Sam as a child. Having parents that struggled to make ends meet did not stop Sam from putting himself through school during the Great Depression. When the landlord of his first successful store would not renew his lease, he did not give up on his dream. He instead turned a profit of more than $50,000 and bought a store belonging to the Brothers’ Ben Franklin chain. Throughout his life, Sam encountered the naysayers and critics every step of the way. His management style and getting rid of the middle-man tactics were just a few controversial ideas that later proved success for Sam. Still today critics can be found pointing fingers and placing blame on Wal-Marts for our troubled economic times.
Through it all, I think the biggest turning point for Sam Walton was the opening of the first Wal-Mart in 1962. That store, along with the thousands of others since followed Sam’s values: hometown identity, being welcomed by a greeter, honoring graduating seniors with a scholarship, donations to charitable causes, and extending the cheapest prices to the consumer every day. When this dream became a reality, Sam Walton was empowered and took his leadership to a new level. However, it did not change Sam Walton. Even after the fortune and fame, it was not uncommon to find Sam Walton stopping by any of his stores to talk to the employees. Sam Walton remained a humble and passionate leader to the day he died.
References:
Fitzgerald, K. (n.d.). Sam Walton: The Model Manager of Wal-Mart. Business Biography, Retrieved February 20, 2009, from http://www.stfrancis.edu/ba/ghkickul/stuwebs/bbios/biograph/walton1.htm
Huey, J. (1998, December 7). Builders & Titans: Sam Walton. Time, Retrieved February 20, 2009, from http://www.time.com/time/time100/builder/profile/walton.html
Walton, S. (1992). Sam Walton: Made in America. New York, NY: Doubleday.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Some individuals believe that the Wal-Mart philosophy has been described as hokey or unrealistic, and many believed that the culture and persona of Sam Walton could not be duplicated or sustained after he passed away. I truly agree with you however, that Walton's legacy is alive and well and continues to be the basic fundamental operating philosophy and cornerstone of the retailer's success.
ReplyDeleteWal-Mart still expects their employees to there before the customers, to serve the community, to ensure safety- in products, stores and parking lots, and to be trustworthy. In addition, Wal-Mart continues to provide employment and growth to our youth. Wal-Mart leadership team understands that today's young people expect a clear vision, accountability, not to be over-managed, personal development, to have their contribution valued by the organization and diversity up the ladder in the organization. In this way, Sam’s vision continues to resonate throughout the company.
Hi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI like the way you have described his feeling of empowerment. Having a company that resonates your personal values become so successful must be very overwhelming, as well as rewarding. The core values that you discussed are certainly strongly linked with moral purpose. This is also part of the vision that you described connected with young people.
Your quote from Sam's wife is entertaining. Who would no better about Mr. Walton than his wife. This quote does provide a strong example of the controlling personality that drove Sam Walton. His competitive nature further defines this belief. This was a very interesting overview of Mr. Walton. Thank you.
Dave
I agree with your analysis that Sam Walton was a controller. His strong willed and ambitious personality is a testament to this fact. One of the most intriguing things about Sam Walton is the way his legacy has continued to live on after his passing. This was also true of my leader, Walt Disney. Both Walton and Disney had a vision for their companies. Since they had both put an enormous amount of themselves into their companies, their employees knew exactly how to continue developing their visions after their deaths. It amazes me that Disney films and parks still represent Walt Disney they same way they did when he was alive. I am sure the same will be said about Sam Walton for many years.
ReplyDeleteSam Walton has all the characteristics of a great leader, he has a desire to succeed, willingness to work hard and, at the same time, he cares about the people. It is this combination that I think people can see when they shop at Wal-Mart. The workers there are helpful, the prices are right and they have everything in one store. Walton's vision of creating a better lifestyle for the people of America has definitely benefited millions.
ReplyDelete