Southwest Airlines - by Chris Lauer (Hardcover)

About the Book

Using the words of its own people, this intriguing book provides an in-depth look at the incredibly successful airline that changed the rules of the game with a no-frills business model and innovative corporate culture.
Southwest Airlines turns in-depth interviews with the company's leaders, managers, employees, and passengers into a powerful case study of this highly successful, game-changing business. Ranging from the early days of the company to the present, the book covers the history of the airline and its founders, while also detailing the unique corporate culture that attracts employees and passengers alike.

Throughout its history, Southwest has championed a culture that puts employees first, creating a productive workforce by hiring for "attitude before aptitude" (because skills can be taught) and allowing employees to be themselves at work. The founders' philosophies of "servant leadership" and a "fun-LUVing" attitude continue to attract employees and influence the company's daily work today. In detailing the airline's inner workings in the words of its own people, this book shows other companies how they can emulate Southwest's powerful business model and strategies, as well as its hiring practices and corporate culture.

• Includes interviews with passengers, employees, managers, and a Southwest Airlines executive
• Presents photos of people and places at Southwest Airlines

Book Synopsis

Using the words of its own people, this intriguing book provides an in-depth look at the incredibly successful airline that changed the rules of the game with a no-frills business model and innovative corporate culture.

Southwest Airlines turns in-depth interviews with the company's leaders, managers, employees, and passengers into a powerful case study of this highly successful, game-changing business. Ranging from the early days of the company to the present, the book covers the history of the airline and its founders, while also detailing the unique corporate culture that attracts employees and passengers alike.

Throughout its history, Southwest has championed a culture that puts employees first, creating a productive workforce by hiring for "attitude before aptitude" (because skills can be taught) and allowing employees to be themselves at work. The founders' philosophies of "servant leadership" and a "fun-LUVing" attitude continue to attract employees and influence the company's daily work today. In detailing the airline's inner workings in the words of its own people, this book shows other companies how they can emulate Southwest's powerful business model and strategies, as well as its hiring practices and corporate culture.

Review Quotes

"Lauer, a freelance writer and editor, draws from interviews with leaders, managers, employees, and passengers of Southwest Airlines to provide a discussion of the company from its early days to the present, as well as its unique corporate culture that puts employees first. He also describes the company as a role model for other organizations, its customer service, leadership, people-friendly attitude, and corporate, hiring and training, and employee practices." --Reference & Research Book News

About the Author

Chris Lauer is a freelance writer and the editor-in-chief at Lauer Editorial Services (www.laueredit.com), a company he started in 2006.