Last Thursday Andy Grossman Executive Director of Wal-Mart Watch (URL) headed up from Washing DC – center of what some people think of as the political universe – to our headquarters in Burlington, VT – what we like to think of as the center of another universe altogether.
After writing up my visit to Lee Scott, Wal-Mart CEO in the last NTT (address) it was like holding on to the other end of a long metaphorical branch. We talked strategy mostly. How does Wal-Mart Watch – an organization primarily funded by the service workers union – that has been at the center of the most successful negative campaign than anyone has ever launched – promote positive change with out getting sucked into the seductive vortex of Wal-Mart’s avalanche of new initiatives. How do then hold out for real fundamental – systemic change. How do they provide solutions rather than just criticism. How good does Wal-Mart have to be – how quick enough?
Talk about a complex strategic problem. This week taking a new tack by stating in positive terms what Wal-Mart needs to do to recapture its founding principles, assume its moral responsibilities, and achieve greatness. Wal-Mart Watch launched – A Handshake with Sam. A step in the right direction!
Stay tuned