1 |

Organisations striving for sustainable economic growth may seem fairly
unusual in today’s rapidly changing environment. Some even believe it is an
unrealistic objective…
Well, I can tell you it isn’t. In my position as Chief Executive Officer of EFQM,
a network of leading organisations, I have been privileged to meet some of
the best performing organisations across Europe and beyond. I have seen
organisations adjusting rapidly to the new business climate, turning
challenges into opportunities, and I have had the honour to meet their
inspiring leaders and motivated employees.
This book is dedicated to these organisations. I hope you will enjoy reading
an introduction to what made these companies, large and small, private and
public, successful. The EFQM Excellence Model has guided them on their
quest for excellence and today they have achieved a role-model status.
I hope that their examples, their enthusiasm, motivation and
accomplishments may inspire you! We also hope they encourage you to
embark on your own journey towards excellence.
Many people have contributed to this book. I would like to thank one
colleague at EFQM – Samuli Pruikkonen – who has once again successfully
organised the EFQM Excellence Awards 2011. I also would like to thank the
Award Winners, Prize Winners and Finalists who let us share their stories,
not only through this book but also through upcoming good practice visits,
case studies and webinars. Finally, EFQM Partners have always been strong
supporters of EFQM and their continuing devotion to Excellence has helped
us to increase European competitiveness.
Yours sincerely,
Pierre Cachet
Chief Executive Officer
| 4