One of the most highly anticipated sessions at any Worldwide ERC® Global Workforce Symposium is the opening general session, and the fall 2011 symposium did not disappoint. During the keynote address, “Transforming the Future: How Extraordinary Leaders and Companies Embrace Constant Change and Reinvention”; the New York Times bestselling author Jason Jennings discussed the research from his forthcoming book, The Reinventors, which reveals the secrets of the leaders at five companies who have mastered the art of reinvention. Jennings is the author of the previous bestselling books: It’s Not the Big That Eat the Small – It’s the Fast That Eat the Slow; Less Is More; Think BIG-Act Small; and, Hit the Ground Running. USA TODAY has named Jennings one of the three most in demand business speakers in the world.

During the presentation, Mr. Jennings named five companies who he considers to be among the best at remaining relevant. While these companies come from disparate industries; they all share a common focus on consistent growth, increased consumer value, and a continuous focus on reinvention. How do they do it? By concentrating on six simple secrets:

Secret #1 is they are committed to double digit growth to attract, grow and retain the right people. Consistent double digit revenue growth will improve the fortune of families who will take pride in better serving their customers. Their suppliers value the return in working with successful companies and will be better partners. They keep the attention of investors and Board members who are more supportive of the risk they undertake and they are more engaged in communities and work to make them better places.

Secret #2 is they let go. Let go of yesterday’s breadwinners, ego, the same-old-same-old and sometimes conventional wisdom. In letting go they are better able to deal with change and stay more focused than their rivals. As a result, innovation, reinvention and growth happen.

Secret #3 is reinventors make lots of small bets. Jennings cited some of the reinventions Starbucks has made recently, including new store designs, new products, and dramatic growth in China.

Secret #4 is that successful reinventors make certain that everyone knows the growth strategy. They realize that “secret strategies” just don’t work. This is important as a recent Gallup study of 3,000,000 workers in 100,000 workplaces found that 73% of workers have no emotional connection to their job or work.

Secret #5 is that successful reinventors get everyone to think like an owner. Thinking and acting like the owner means that all employees have to know how their job creates measurable value for the company.

Secret #6 is that successful reinventors are good stewards. They help everyone in the company reach capacity. They share information, are accessible, keep their hands dirty, stand for something, get rid of superficial distinctions, make everything better, are coaches and mentors, are selfless and are called to serve.

RELO Direct® understands that the challenges outlined by Mr. Jennings are universal in these uncertain economic times. In our respective organizations, we each must tackle a myriad of issues – from how to become better leaders, to growing as an organization, and attracting and retaining talent. For our part, RELO Direct® continues to look for new ways to provide value to our clients and deliver exceptional customer service. Because we believe that good ideas aren’t the exclusive province of the executive suite, we challenge our entire team – from senior management to administrative support to constantly seek ways to reinvent ourselves and our organization. It is only by having the courage to try something completely different that each of us has the opportunity to grow and thrive.

Posted by:  Judy Pogue