Business Commons^™

The Theory Of The Firm, C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

This document contains the PowerPoint outline for a presentation made at a ServiceMaster meeting in which Pollard outlined the corporation's broader vision regarding profit, management, and customer relations.

The Role And Importance Of Profit, C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

In this speech at Baylor University (Waco, TX), Pollard asks whether profit can have a "redeeming value." He answers in the affirmative, noting that there is indeed a biblical injunction to create wealth as part of God's call to stewardship.

The Tides Of Life (Chicago), C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

This speech was originally delivered at a Moody Business Network Luncheon, part of a series of such luncheons organized by The Moody Church in Chicago. In it Pollard posits that servant leadership -- while not always explicitly Christian -- is oftentimes the primary way one actualizes Christian values in the workplace.

The Quest For The Entrepreneurial Spirit, C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

Drawing from his years of experience leading The ServiceMaster Company, Pollard outlines for the Entrepreneurial Leader's Organization (ELO) Conference (Vancouver, B.C.) the main tenets of what he considers the entrepreneurial spirit.

The Soul Of The Movement (Long Version), C. William Pollard, Al Erisman

C. William Pollard Papers

In this speech at the 2014 Faith at Work Summit (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Boston, MA), Pollard contends that people represent the only thing of eternal value in the global marketplace. In light of this, he argues that Christians must be service-oriented ambassadors for Christ in the corporate world.

Included at the end of the speech is an email from one of the summit's conveners, Al Erisman, and Pollard's handwritten notes.

Business As A Calling / Profit As A Virtue, C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

This speech was delivered at a Symposium on Corporations, Capitalism, and Christianity sponsored by The Center for Lifelong Learning at Windsor Park Retirement Community in Carol Stream, IL. In it Pollard considers the integration of business and faith, focusing primarily on how leaders must cultivate the humanity of their employees while simultaneously maximizing profit.

The Virtue Of Profit (California), C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

This particular version of the "Virtue of Profit" speech was prepared by Pollard for a meeting with a Chinese business associate. In it he contends that profit can be considered virtuous when it allows servant leaders to invest in employees, thereby contributing to the moral and spiritual formation of human beings.

Serving Two Masters? Reflections On God And Profit, C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

In this public lecture at Ambrose University (Calgary, Canada), Pollard contends that profit can be considered virtuous when it allows servant leaders to invest in employees, thereby contributing to the moral and spiritual formation of human beings.

The Virtue Of Profit (Boston), C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

Speaking at a ministry conference hosted by Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Boston, MA), Pollard contends that profit can be considered virtuous when it allows servant leaders to invest in employees, thereby contributing to the moral and spiritual formation of human beings.

Investors, Not Donors, C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

This speech was delivered at the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities Conference on Marco Island, FL, in 2011. In it Pollard encourages Christian institutions of higher education to consider donors as stewards investing in the long-term well-being of these organizations.

The Virtue Of Profit (Seattle), C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

In this speech at Seattle Pacific University, Pollard contends that profit can be considered virtuous when it allows servant leaders to invest in employees, thereby contributing to the moral and spiritual formation of human beings.

The Virtue Of Profit (Wheaton, Il - Second Revision), C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

In this second revision of a speech delivered at Wheaton College's Hastert Center (now the Center for Economy, Government, and Public Policy), Pollard contends that profit can be considered virtuous when it allows servant leaders to invest in employees, thereby contributing to the moral and spiritual formation of human beings.

The Virtue Of Profit (Wheaton, Il - First Revision), C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

In this speech -- a revised version of one delivered at Wheaton College's Center for Economics, Government, and Public Policy -- Pollard contends that profit can be considered virtuous when it allows servant leaders to invest in employees, thereby contributing to the moral and spiritual formation of human beings.

The Virtue Of Profit (Mclean, Va), C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

In this speech delivered to the Workforce Ministry Group of McLean Presbyterian Church (McLean, VA), Pollard contends that profit can be considered virtuous when it allows servant leaders to invest in employees, thereby contributing to the moral and spiritual formation of human beings.

Faith In The Workplace, C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

Speaking at the Samaritan Interfaith Focus on Faith Breakfast (Cress Creek Country Club - Naperville, IL), Pollard addresses the question of faith in the workplace. In particular, he posits that servant leadership is the primary means by which one actualizes religious faith in everyday life.

What Is Your Business? (Chicago), C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

In this speech at the 2008 Chicago Executive Forum Breakfast (Naperville, IL), Pollard posits that Christian businesses (i.e., corporations in which, among other things, managers see themselves as servant leaders) should understand profit as a means for the development of human character.

The Virtue Of Profit (Washington, D.C.), C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

Speaking at the 2008 PathNorth June Gathering (Washington, D.C.), Pollard contends that profit can be considered virtuous when it allows servant leaders to invest in employees, thereby contributing to the moral and spiritual formation of human beings.

The Seeking And Knowing Of Truth, C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

In this address to the graduating students of Aurora University (Aurora, IL), Pollard draws upon his time as CEO of ServiceMaster in order to explain how seeking after truth is the proper foundation of any vocation.

Notes From A Herman Miller Company Board Meeting, C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

These handwritten notes -- mainly including material concerning the topic of responsible leadership -- provide Pollard's perspective on a 2008 Herman Miller Company board meeting.

Ten Questions About Ethics, Peter Kreeft, C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

These ten questions about ethics were suggested by Pollard for a presentation by Professor Peter Kreeft (Philosophy, Boston College) to be held at the Herman Miller Company in Holland, MI. The document includes Mr. Pollard's handwritten notes.

Open For Business (Short Version), C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

Reflecting on his own experience bridging the gulf between business and faith while serving as Chairman of ServiceMaster, Pollard encourages students at Covenant College to go forth into their future vocations confident in their abilities to integrate faith and work in whatever arena they are called to serve.

The Business Of God At Work, C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

Speaking to the Christian Business Faculty Association in Cedarville, OH, Pollard addresses the question of "God's role in the marketplace" and how businesses can be moral communities oriented to the "development of human character."

Etched In Stone, Engraved On The Heart (Arlington, Tx), C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

In this speech at the 2006 C12 Leader's Conference (Arlington, TX), Pollard considers how contemporary business leaders might integrate faith and work while also serving their families and building businesses oriented to a "greater purpose."

Globalization And The Human Condition, C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

In this speech at the Sino-Foreign Management Summit (Beijing, China), Pollard addresses the increasingly global character of the economy, noting in particular how it will require not only greater regulation but also ethically-minded business leaders and well-formed corporate employees.

Making A Difference, C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

In this speech to the Evangelical Publishing Association (ECPA) at Indian Lakes Resort (Bloomingdale, IL), Pollard offers a semi-autobiographical insight into the integration of work and faith, noting how servant leadership in particular has allowed him to apply his Christian faith in the corporate world.

Business Ethics - Do God And Profit Mix?, C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

This speech was delivered at the 2002 National Conference for Pastors, Christian Educators, and Laity, a meeting sponsored by the Urban Outreach Foundation in Oak Brook, IL. In it Pollard considers how businesses might cultivate the spiritual and moral sensibilities of human beings in light of the contemporary market being what he calls a "spiritual vacuum."

What's It All About? (Lake Geneva, Wi), C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

In this brief speech at the Geneva Lakes Business Luncheon, Pollard asks local business leaders to examine their priorities and reminds them that all they do -- including their business endeavors -- should be seen as service to Jesus Christ.

Leading In Turbulent Times, C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

In this speech at the plenary session of the 2002 Regent College Pastors' Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, Pollard encourages pastors to see their congregants' workplaces in the same way that they see their homes and families, i.e. as places of moral formation.

Values As A Power Factor (Long Version), C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

Delivered at the ISC Symposium in St. Gallen, Switzerland, this speech addresses the question of what role corporations have in human society writ large. In it Pollard argues that businesses and their leaders can contribute to the positive shaping of human character.

Mission As An Organizing Principle, C. William Pollard

C. William Pollard Papers

Speaking to both The Conference Board and the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management, Pollard addresses the topic of corporate mission, arguing that one can envision a meaningful relationship between work and the rest of life only when an organization's leaders are focused on serving employees.