In a time when companies are outsourcing abroad, Habitat International, a Tennessee-based carpet manufacturer, has managed to achieve superior levels of productivity at home, often two to three times greater than its competition. Habitat's business has grown enormously, with much of its new business coming from work outsourced to them by competitors who could not come close to matching its productivity. Habitat's secret: they hire the people no one else will. At Habitat three of every four workers have a physical or mental disability. They earn normal wages and are cross-trained on every job. They work harder, with less supervision, lower turnover and an unparalleled level of loyalty. The challenges have been significant; the rewards extraordinary. This is Habitat's story. It's a powerful and moving tale of personal courage, deep commitment and challenging expectations. It's a story of success and personal triumph. It'll change the way you think about business ... and the people around you.
As an educator I found this book to be a "must read" for students of all ages. The reader gains a better understanding of what positive business gains can be made when hiring within the disabled community. Further, the author writes the book in a manner that allows you to know the "heroes" within the company and gain a personal appreciation for what each one brings to the work place, ultimately allowing a better understanding of the talents a truly diverse workforce brings to enhancing the business and the lives of each individual. I hope this is only the beginning of Nancy Henderson Wurst's career in book writing. Her ability to help the reader know and understand the lives of the people she writes about is a true gift to the reader. This book is for everyone willing to learn.
Fun and easy to read
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
This book inspires people of all abilities to appreciate one another's differences. There are many interesting stories related throughout the book. It's a must read for all organizations.
Miracles Can Happen
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
This book should be read by every C.E.O. who cares about his employees and wants to improve his company profitability; and should be required reading in every H. R. Department and business School. Mr. Morris has shown great courage and vision. He and Ms. Henderson-Wurst deserve to be given as much prime time publicity as possible to showcase the people in their book. I am 53 years old, born with Cerebral Palsy, trained as an Attorney, in London. I have never met an employer, with the vision of Mr Morris.
Able Will Inspire You
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
I am lucky enough to know David Morris personally, he is an inspiration in my life. Nancy Henderson Wurst captures in this book what David brings to the world, and we all need to know that compassion CAN live in the successful business world. I've also been lucky enough to meet some of those who David hired, persons who were "unhirable" by traditional standards. Wow, what a thing it is to see ABLE where others see "disabled". Just imagine what that does for that person. David brings compassion, harmony and ease into the bigtime corporate world and into the lives of everyone around him. Seeing David live his life, run his business and accept others is a major catalyst for the creation of a new business venture I am bringing to the world. Just last night I figured out how to also involve ABLED persons into the mix! It took 2 months of brainstorming but now I get to also try to make a little difference in the world, and I feel great ..thanks to David! No kidding, if you are a business person who has a yearning to also contribute to the world AS you do business then you should read this little book, I bet you WILL find some possibilities in there that will bring beauty to your life ..and to others. Have a good day.
Able will change the way you look at disability foerever
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
I've worked with the disabled for many years and I am in fact able myself after having suffered a broken neck seven years ago. Nancy Henderson Wurst has captured the essence of compassion and understanding in this population as she introduces you to a man who has totally embraced our differently abled friends to his advantage as well as to their own. David Morris at great risk and with tremendous courage creates a workforce consisting mainly of disabled people and turns his business into a gold mine. Hiring people that no one else would have is a story that touches the soul and will enrich, enlighten and change the way you think of these precious souls you once thought DIS - Abled.
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