Think big, act small : how america's best performing companies keep the start-up spirit alive

Tradition says there are three ways to grow a company's profits: Fire up the sales team with empty promises, cut costs and downsize, or cook the books. But what if there's a better way'a way that nine amazingly profitable and well-run companies are already embracing' Jason Jennings and his research team screened more than 100,000 American companies to find nine that rarely end up on magazine covers, yet have increased revenues and profits by ten percent or more for ten consecutive years. Then they interviewed the leaders, workers, and customers of these quiet superstars to find the secrets of their astoundingly consistent and profitable growth. What they have in common is a culture'a community'based on a shockingly simple precept: Think big, but act small. It works for retailers like PETCO, Cabela's, and O'Reilly Automotive, manufacturers like Medline Industries, service companies like Sonic Drive-In, private educational companies like Strayer, industrial giants like Koch Enterprises, and software companies like SAS. These companies think big ideas about solving customers' problems, making better products, and creating value. And yet they never stop acting like start-ups'staying humble, treating every employee like the owner, and teaching managers to get their hands dirty. Jennings and his researchers have updated this book with new stories and insights about why these companies continue to thrive'through the economic downturn'and have now increased revenues and profits for fifteen consecutive years. Any company, no matter the size or industry, can benefit from following their examples. Read more... Abstract: Tradition says there are three ways to grow a company's profits: Fire up the sales team with empty promises, cut costs and downsize, or cook the books. But what if there's a better way'a way that nine amazingly profitable and well-run companies are already embracing' Jason Jennings and his research team screened more than 100,000 American companies to find nine that rarely end up on magazine covers, yet have increased revenues and profits by ten percent or more for ten consecutive years. Then they interviewed the leaders, workers, and customers of these quiet superstars to find the secrets of their astoundingly consistent and profitable growth. What they have in common is a culture'a community'based on a shockingly simple precept: Think big, but act small. It works for retailers like PETCO, Cabela's, and O'Reilly Automotive, manufacturers like Medline Industries, service companies like Sonic Drive-In, private educational companies like Strayer, industrial giants like Koch Enterprises, and software companies like SAS. These companies think big ideas about solving customers' problems, making better products, and creating value. And yet they never stop acting like start-ups'staying humble, treating every employee like the owner, and teaching managers to get their hands dirty. Jennings and his researchers have updated this book with new stories and insights about why these companies continue to thrive'through the economic downturn'and have now increased revenues and profits for fifteen consecutive years. Any company, no matter the size or industry, can benefit from following their examples Is it possible for a company to grow its revenues and profits by 10 percent or more for at least ten consecutive years, not counting acquisitions? That’s an incredibly high bar for growth and profitability, one that 99.99 percent of American companies can’t meet—including the famous ones that routinely land on magazine covers. Management expert Jason Jennings screened 100,000 companies to identify nine little- known firms that have delivered stellar performance for a full decade or more, despite the ups and downs of the economy. And, as he reveals in his new book, these superstars have a lot in common despite their wide range of industries, which includes software, food services, medical supplies, and sporting goods. It turns out that the best long-term performers all combine the strengths of a big organization with the hunger of a start-up. They build excellent relationships with their customers, suppliers, workers, and shareholders. They groom future leaders at all levels. They balance their short-term goals with their long-term visions. And they teach their managers to get their hands dirty. Jennings did extensive interviews at his nine featured companies to find out exactly how they consistently increase revenue and profits without using manipulation or gimmickry. He reveals their unique approach to leadership and shows how any company, no matter what size or industry, can benefit from following their examples. Think Big, Act Small may be the most powerful management book since Good to Great and Execution . Is it possible for a company to grow its revenues and profits by 10 percent or more for at least ten consecutive years, not counting acquisitions? That's an incredibly high bar for growth and profitability, one that 99.99 percent of American companies can't meet— including the famous ones that routinely land on magazine covers. Management expert Jason Jennings screened 100,000 companies to identify nine little- known firms that have delivered stellar performance for a full decade or more, despite the ups and downs of the economy. And, as he reveals in his new book, these superstars have a lot in common despite their wide range of industries, which includes software, food services, medical supplies, and sporting goods. It turns out that the best long-term performers all combine the strengths of a big organization with the hunger of a start-up. They build excellent relationships with their customers, suppliers, workers, and shareholders. They groom future leaders at all...