The Wal-Mart Way

The Wal-Mart Way – Don Soderquist

From a single discount store in Arkansas, Walmart grew into one of the largest companies in the world. What made that growth possible? In The Wal-Mart Way: The Inside Story of the Success of the World’s Largest Company, Don Soderquist, who served as vice chairman and chief operating officer and worked closely with founder Sam Walton, offers an insider’s answer.

Soderquist argues that the company’s success was built on a set of core values and principles established by Walton and practiced throughout the organization. He describes the importance of putting customers first, respecting individuals, striving for excellence, keeping costs low and maintaining integrity in business dealings. He explains how these values shaped everything from store operations and logistics to relationships with suppliers and the way managers led their teams.

Drawing on decades of experience, Soderquist shares stories from Walmart’s history, including Walton’s leadership style, his habit of visiting stores and listening to associates, the company’s early adoption of technology, and the challenges of growing rapidly while preserving its culture. He also reflects on the role of faith, character and servant leadership in his own career.

The book offers practical lessons on leadership, culture and values that can be applied in organizations of any size.

Written from a personal perspective, The Wal-Mart Way will interest business leaders, managers, entrepreneurs and students of retail history. As with any insider account, it presents the company from the author’s viewpoint, and readers may wish to consider other perspectives on Walmart’s impact.