"How We Work and Why" E Hunter Harrison

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

I have been fortunate enough to get 2 copies of the Canadian National CEO’s book on running CN as a gift.

The first book – “How We Work and Why” sets out the basic principles used by E Hunter Harrison to bring CN back to profitability – in fact back to profitability in number 1 position – an operating ratio of an incredible 60%!

The book is printed by CN themselves – on gloss paper and fully clothbound in a hard cover.

Beautifully laid out in terms of text and photos it actually puts most commercial books to shame!

Superb quality indeed and proof indeed that when it comes to quality CN practice what they preach.

The first book looks at 5 main principles – Service, Cost Control, Asset Utilization, Safety and People.

These principles are all clearly explained, along with practical ways to apply them, and their impact on the business.
Chapters the follow on…..

- Precsion Railroading (“Why we work”)
- How a Railroad Works (in terms of Operations, Economics and Problems)
- The Service Plan (Design Principles and relevant Measures)
- Upward/Downward Spirals
- Where We Go From Here (Leading Edge Railroading, All Aboard!)

......and then winds up with the “Last Word” – about Integrity and Passion.

Everything is presented in the same way – a short introduction and explanation, recommendation and examples.

Each small section then being backed up by “Stories From The Field” – real life CN railway examples that provide a practical example of use/implementation.

A small book – 141 pages long, but what a cracker. Really practical business advice (for any business) in an easy readable manner.

I polished the book off in two sittings and finished off with a new hero - E Hunter Harrison. Who, in my opinion makes many of the so called business gurus just actually look plain silly!

The bad news is this book is only available for employees – so if you want give it a read you need to find a friend in CN!!!

But hopefully oen day it will be more widely published.

[Luca Lategan]

Sounds like TFR management could definately gain from reading this book...