He Was Obsessed with Minding the Store
When using the word obsession above, it has to be taken in consideration that it was in a healthy way with Walton.
He said at one time:
"Life has been great to me, probably better than any man has the right to expect. At home, I've been blessed with a wife and family who've stuck to together and loved each other and indulged my lifelong obsession with minding the store."
Still, even with his life and family in great shape, he had a laser-like focus on the business he gave himself to. Both were of great importance to him, and when he was with either one they got his undivided attention.
Managers like Walton understand focus and attention was something that you had to give yourself to. To be looking to something else all the time, while you're doing something, causes both to suffer. Walton didn't have that problem.
What he called being "obsessed with minding the store" was a way of saying that. He was like other great managers in that he knew what it was that needed to be measured and he kept on top of those things religiously.
There has to be a little bit of that craziness within a manager to bring about great results. Walton had it in spades.
Other Walton Sources:
The Most Underrated CEO Ever The legendary Sam Walton
Sam Walton: The Power of Persistence
Sam Walton Business Quotes for Ya
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