I learned with sadness this morning that Michael Hammer, who, together with James Champy, set off a process improvement revolution with their seminal Reengineering the Corporation, has died. While I did not know Dr. Hammer personally, his family, friends and colleagues should know that he inspired a generation of process professionals - and set in motion the careers of an army of consultants who have undoubtedly helped thousands of companies realize greater value from their operations.

Having left pieces of himself in countless organizations that have benefited from his ideas, Dr. Hammer leaves an enduring legacy, a little slice of immortality.