Wisdom from Wal-Mart

Greetings-

It has been a while since my last post, for which I apologize. Honestly right now, this blog is not at the top of my priority list. I do promise to try to get better…we’ll see. I try to read several good biographies each year, in the hopes that exposure to the successes and failures of others’ lives will inspire and equip me to better serve my own purpose. Currently, I am in the middle of Vance Trimble’s Sam Walton. It is fascinating to read how a country boy born in Kingfisher, Oklahoma was able to build a multi-billion dollar business empire and become the world’s richest man. Running throughout the book is an attempt to quantify the key to Sam Walton’s success, to unlock the secret of his vast fortune. Interestingly enough, it is the same formula that has worked for generations, and will probably continue to work for generations to come: work hard, treat people fairly and maintain the highest ethical standards. But today, I would like to focus on a small sidebar in the quest for his formula.
Sam Walton was always on the lookout for new talent and new ideas, whether they came from competitors, his executive staff or the front-line employees in his Wal-Mart stores. “That’s a trademark of ours,” he said, “We are willing to change…try anything, try anyone’s idea…it might not work, but it won’t break the company when it doesn’t.” As an officer in the Air Force, I am continually reminded that the USAF is the most technologically advanced military force in the world, and is constantly on the lookout for new ideas and new ways of doing things. In reality, though, we are horribly risk-averse and reluctant to try new things unless and until we are certain of success. In some situations (ie. the acquisition of a $100 million weapon system), this makes a bit of sense. In most others it does not. I can’t help but think that this will cause us terrible problems in the current dynamic threat environment.
I don't know what Sam Walton would tell us to do if he were still alive, but it seems obvious to me that we need to find again the ability to take risks and dare great things...even at the risk of failing.