Four Seasons: The Story of a Business Philosophy
January 26th, 2010 by dennis
- ISBN13: 9781591842446
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
“I approached the business of innkeeping from a customer’s perspective. I was the host, and the customers were my houseguests. . . . If we give them good value, they will unhesitatingly pay what they think it’s worth. That was the first strategy, and it continues to this day.”
How did a child of immigrants, starting with no background in the hotel business, create the world’s most admired and successful hotel brand? And how has Four Seasons…
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- 5 Comments »
- Posted in Hotel
January 26th, 2010 at 6:26 am
I just had access to this new purchase of a book. The book is in good condition and I save when I purchase used books, specially from Amazon.
Thanks
Rating: 4 / 5
January 26th, 2010 at 7:55 am
First time ordering “used edition” and am very pleased…..Sharp’s story and business insight leaps off the pages in a very matter-of-fact way with profound clarity….a great success example to the service industry we all serve.
Rating: 5 / 5
January 26th, 2010 at 10:17 am
A great book to start the year with. Real insights in to the success of a brand – it certainly did not happen over night, but Issy Sharp has followed the 3 C’s rule of branding.
Clarity – almost from the outset with one small motel in Toronto he knew what Four Seasons was going to be and he has communicated that same message year after year.
Consistent – he has refused to waiver from his Golden Rule (the values) and deal with people in a way that he would want to be treated. The bumps that he did encounter he learned from and underlined for him why his approach was the right one.
Constant – an almost fanatical zeal for superior service. He has also been a constant innovator in the industry that the rest try to follow and emulate, by which time he is ahead of them again.
This is an excellent example of a brand that allows it’s employees to be brands themselves and deliver on the corporate brand promise because of it. A great read for any entrepreneur looking to establish true brand leadership.
Rating: 5 / 5
January 26th, 2010 at 11:31 am
I’ve been a happy customer of The Four Seasons for many decades and I’ve also been hired by them to conduct training programs. Many of their personnel have become my friends. Also one of my family members has worked there for more than ten years. So, when I comment on the hotels I am not merely gushing about a recent great meal or amazing customer service experience.
The Four Seasons is the real deal.
This inspiring book will tell you the back story and show you why this organization is so astoundingly successful. They didn’t figure out a trick to amaze people or simply buy opulent goods to be “prettier” than the rest. They did it right. From the inside to the outside this is an organization to emulate.
I sincerely hope that this becomes one of the great business best sellers of all time. If it does then thousands more will learn the wisdom of Isadore Sharp’s philosophy and strategies. Other organizations will become more like the Four Seasons.
I commend Mr. Sharp on this excellent book and I am awed at his excellence on all levels both organizational and personal.
Bravo!
Rating: 5 / 5
January 26th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Reading this book about Sharp and his “walked in your shoes” knowing makes me believe that all that is good in the world, and that being humanistic in the workplace has a place. I am so appreciative of Mr. Sharp’s keen awareness that it takes everyone to be authentic and caring, and above all, empathetic to make a business a success. His empathy is empowering and should be a symbol of what it takes to make a business a real success. He leaves his ego at the door and magic happens. At the end of the day it’s important to make sure that everyone feels important and taken care of. If you know this and act on it, you will be successful and fulfilled. I truly admire him and wish there were more businessmen who would think and act as he has and does.
Rating: 5 / 5