• The war emphasis in this issue drives home the evolution of military tactics and their merging with business techniques, particularly in who fights wars. To explore this theme further, arrange a visit to a military base. Try and schedule conversations with a range of servicemen across age and rank. Learn about their educational and training backgrounds and later compare it to any stereotypes you may have had going in to the visit. Find out what the people you speak to have done in service and see if comparable business strategies emerge.
• The idea behind Echoing Green is to make nonprofits efficient like businesses. As a COF group, seek out some local nonprofits that could use a boost of 'venture philanthropy.' Volunteer your group's business expertise to see what tactics work across the sectors. Take a visit to the nonprofits' facilities and see where things could be shored up/become more efficient. Brainstorm beyond the typical charities and fundraising groups and consider helping out playhouses, publishers or community center operating under the nonprofit umbrella.
• Wal-Mart has grown like no other company in history. Gather the group in the minivan and head down to the local Wal-Mart on a Sunday. Do you see evidence of the ballyhooed Wal-Mart culture in action? Do the employees seem to buy into the strategy, are the customers enjoying their experience? Discuss whether Wal-Mart's reputation comes from what it does in its stores or how it has positioned itself on Wall Street and to the media? In a separate discussion after your trip, take up Jim Collins' non-stance on the role Wal-Mart plays in society. Print out some research from some of the anti-Wal-Mart Web sites. Is it healthy for the U.S. economy to be so heavily dependent on just one company? What has Wal-Mart done -- both with business and culture -- that competitors Target and KMart haven't been able to? (Note: Much of this same activity and discussion could be done using Pottery Barn and the accompanying article if your group prefers.

Daniel Richards contributed this month's Next Steps.

June 2003 Connexus | Flash Points | Next Steps

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