The Squeeze : A Novel Approach to Business Sustainability

Description

“The Squeeze” is a novel that relates the fight for survival of a small, family-owned, Midwest manufacturer. Barely breaking even, Brookings Manufacturing is feeling the “squeeze” even after five years of Lean implementation–from its competitors whose prices are 25% less, from employees with trust issues, from the bank who questions the company’s ability to pay back loans, and from the EPA who is citing the company for violations. Its new CEO, Adam Brookings, finds himself at a crossroads–sell the barely profitable business and leave the fate of his lifetime friends/co-workers to chance, move 200 manufacturing jobs overseas and substantially affect the local community, or try something new–and quick! But what?

The company turns itself around by implementing “sustainability.” Sustainability goes beyond Lean, which only looks at the financial bottom line, to include two additional bottom lines–social and environmental–in decision making at all levels of an organization. Sustainability embraces the three Rs–respect, relationship, and responsibility. It is about respect for each other, respect for our earth, and respect for future generations. It is about relationships with one other, and relationship with future generations. It is thinking of ourselves as stewards, in a long line of stewards. And it is about being committed to helping customers, suppliers, and employees grow and succeed.