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Sign up todayLeadership Lessons from a UPS Driver
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Learn moreUnited Parcel Service (UPS) is a household name that customers and investors alike hold in high regard. Who hasn't been delighted by a right-on-time delivery, one of the 18 million UPS makes every day? Founded over a hundred years ago, UPS has moved steadily up the Fortune 500 while so many other corporations have disappeared. What's the company's secret?
Just ask a driver!
Ron Wallace was a UPS delivery driver for six years before he began rising through the ranks, ultimately becoming president of UPS International. In other companies, that might be extraordinary, but at UPS it's par for the course. UPS has a unique corporate culture. It's like a family. Package loaders call executives by their first names and vice versa. The company almost always promotes from within. Lifetime employment is common. Most employees own UPS stock. Wallace credits the company's success—and his own—to its culture of “we, not me.” As he puts it, working at UPS gave him a PhD in teamwork.
Instead of writing a typical business memoir that celebrates the leader as celebrity, Wallace shares vivid stories that focus on the people he worked with, the challenges they overcame, and the simple principles and practices that make up the UPS way. He exhorts his readers to grow their people, not just their business plans. The leadership style described in this book is simple and direct—and it works. The straightforward and easy-to-understand lessons provide a blueprint for an individual or company to build on past successes and adapt to future challenges. This is a must-read for anyone aspiring to become a great leader.
Ron Wallace is the former president of UPS International, where he was responsible for operations in more than 200 countries and territories, with more than 60,000 people under his direction. He also served on the corporate management committee that oversaw the day-to-day operations of UPS and its 400,000 employees. In addition, he has served as chairman or cochairman of thirty-three boards of directors of highly successful companies around the world.
Reviews
“UPSers believe in the principle that your mission throughout your career is to leave the company in a better state than when you arrived. Ron Wallace did that at UPS. If you follow Ron's leadership insights in this book, you too will leave your company in a better state.”— Scott Davis, retired Chairman and CEO, United Parcel Service, 2008–2014
“Ron Wallace writes about the values and leadership that helped establish a culture so that UPSers around the world understand that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves.”
— Mike Eskew, retired Chairman and CEO, United Parcel Service, 2002–2007
“Terrific job by Ron Wallace in capturing the leadership characteristics and bedrock principles of UPS and the people of UPS. Many of us can relate to Ron's examples because we have been there ourselves.”
— Jim Kelly, retired Chairman and CEO, United Parcel Service, 1997–2001
“Early in your career, in mid-career, or sitting on top, read this book if you want to be a more effective leader. It draws on the thoughts and principles of the past UPS leaders as well as the experience of author Ron Wallace, whose strong business credentials cannot be denied.”
— Kent C. “Oz” Nelson, retired Chairman and CEO, United Parcel Service, 1989–1996
“Ron Wallace has been there, done that, and now we have the book to prove it. Leadership Lessons from a UPS Driver has more practical wisdom than a Harvard MBA or an entire library of business texts. Wallace has produced a paint-by-numbers set for the aspiring executive. As a bonus, it is a practical bible on how to live a more fulfilling life.”
— The Honorable Frank McKenna, former Canadian ambassador to the United States and former Premier of New Brunswick
“You can never read enough about inspirational life stories, just as you can never read enough about great leadership. This book has both!”
— Herman Cain, President and CEO, THE New Voice, Inc., and former Republican presidential candidate
“No matter what industry or field you work in, Leadership Lessons from a UPS Driver will change your approach to leadership in a most significant way. Ron's pragmatic and highly effective leadership skills will help you take your game to a completely new level. You'll achieve remarkable results if you use the easy-to-follow steps outlined in this book. I guarantee it.”
— Kent G. Callahan, President and CEO, Investments & Retirement Division, Transamerica
“The powerful way Ron's personal experiences have been interwoven with inspiring and profound leadership truths is brilliant. I'm a better author and consultant from reading this book—I guarantee you will be a better leader! Saddle up and get ready for a great ride!”
— Chip R. Bell, author of The 9½ Principles of Innovative Service
“When someone has been a key leader for one of the world's most respected organizations, and it has over 400,000 employees, and he writes a book about the lessons he learned, it should be a must-read. UPS is the company, Ron Wallace is the man, and Leadership Lessons from a UPS Driver is the book. Thanks, Ron, for sharing your wisdom with the world!”
— Mark Miller, Vice President, Leadership Development, Chick-fil-A, Inc., and coauthor of the international bestseller The Secret
“Reading a book by a man who started at the bottom and worked his way up, as Ron did, interests me. A workhorse myself, I feel a strong kinship with him. He makes it clear that his book is for us workhorses. If you aspire to be effective, this book is for you. It is not for show horses. No matter your level of responsibility within your organization, his advice is applicable. If you are prepared to learn, you have found a good teacher.”
— Jimmy Collins, retired President and COO, Chick-fil-A, Inc., and author of Creative Followership
“For decades, Ron Wallace displayed unique leadership abilities at UPS. This would ultimately lead him to being responsible for thousands of employees who had to get things done in complex situations every day. Whether you're a beginning or an experienced leader, Ron's book, Leadership Lessons from a UPS Driver, can change your life as well as the life of your organization. It's a leadership must-read.”
— Mark Levy, author of Accidental Genius
“Leadership Lessons from a UPS Driver is a must-read for leaders at all levels as well as those who aspire to be leaders. The proven principles that worked for Ron Wallace in his exemplary career are detailed in a very practical manner. Ron's stories bring his leadership principles to life. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an outstanding leader as you pursue a career of excellence.”
— John R. Patterson, innovative service consultant and speaker and coauthor of Wired and Dangerous
“Finally, a book that hits the heart of doing what's right. A straightforward, no-holds-barred approach to leadership principles. A refreshing wake-up call for anyone leading others.”
— Emily Thomas Kendrick, President and CEO, Arrow Exterminators, Inc.
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