STEEL CASE

The article reports that Steelcase Inc. began in 1912 as Metal Office Furniture Co. in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1914, its first patent was awarded for a steel wastebasket a major innovation at a time when straw wastebaskets were an office fire hazard. Rising through the ranks to be appointed CEO in 1994, Hackett understood that the company needed a learning mindset if it was to compete in a fast-changing business world. Key to the success of the executive development program is the hands-on involvement of Jim Hackett and other high-level executives.