cover image The Maverick Way: Profiting from the Power of the Corporate Misfit

The Maverick Way: Profiting from the Power of the Corporate Misfit

Richard C. Cheverton. Maverick Way Publishing, $22.95 (270pp) ISBN 978-0-9668226-1-8

An enormously profitable innovator of such ubiquitous items as disposable diapers and tissues of every variety, Kimberly-Clark has received relatively little attention, either internally or in the media, for its success. This book is a revision of a little-known company publication chronicling Kimberly-Clark's history and highlighting the role of Bill Wilson, a creative, driving force who served as a mentor to other equally imaginative managers. Defined by Cheverton as a maverick because of the freedom he gave his employees, Wilson encouraged his workers to break rules, ignore budgets and exercise great creativity. For example, disposable diapers were developed almost by accident: in the course of figuring out how they could widen the market for the ""maternity"" pad the company had devised for hospitals to offer to new mothers, the disposable diaper was born. However, Wilson's ""maverick"" nature almost derailed his career during an overseas stint because his European colleagues weren't accustomed to his management style. Although this book may appeal to readers interested in product development, it is more of a tribute to Bill Wilson and Kimberly-Clark than a business how-to. (Aug.)