The summer is a time when I devote my reading to big non-fiction historical narratives. In August, I broke from tradition and read a business book. Business books have a reputation of being dry, but Forbes Publisher Rich Karlgaard’s The Soft Edge: Where Great Companies Find Lasting Success is a quick read with good advice.
Karlgaard notes that high performance has always required superb strategy and excellent execution, but he adds that truly great companies have deep values – or what he calls “the soft edge”. The Great Recession hit everyone, but enduring companies grow and weather hard times with key variables such as trust, smarts, and teamwork.
The Chamber’s strong values have helped the organization grow and innovate for more than 200 years. Our commitment to our members, our integrity and our relentless pursuit for excellence in all that we do are factors that remain critical to our success.
Let me know what you think about the book or how your company’s values give you a competitive advantage at rwonderling@greaterphilachamber.com.
