The High-Speed Company

About the Author

Jason Jennings is a best-selling author known for his research-based business books, including "The Reinventors," "Think BIG, Act Small," and "Less Is More." He founded Jennings-McGlothlin & Company, a consulting firm. Laurence Haughton, who co-authored this book, has served as the SVP and head of research and development for Jennings' consulting practice and has partnered with him on five of his books. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and insight into the practices that drive high-speed, high-growth companies.

Main Idea

The High-Speed Company: Creating Urgency and Growth in a Nanosecond Culture by Jason Jennings and Laurence Haughton explores the critical importance of speed and urgency in business. The book reveals the unique practices of companies that have successfully created cultures of speed and growth, emphasizing the role of purpose, trust, and relentless follow-through. By implementing these strategies, companies can outperform their competition and thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Purpose
3. Principles and Values
4. The Customer
5. Transparency
6. Systematize Everything
7. Communication
8. Accountability
9. Prosperity
10. Stewardship

Purpose

The foundation of any high-speed company is a strong sense of purpose. Companies that combine doing well with doing good can create a powerful drive within their organizations. Purpose should not be a committee-driven exercise but rather a clear, memorable, and emotionally evocative statement that guides all actions.

"When people know and buy into the why, they'll figure out the how." - Bob Engel, CoBank's CEO

• Keep It Brief: Your purpose should be concise and easy to communicate.
• Make It Memorable: A strong purpose resonates and inspires action.
• It's Great to Be Foolish: Be willing to pursue bold, seemingly foolish goals.
• Get Your Senior Team on Board: Ensure that all leaders are aligned with the purpose.
• Hire Only Those Who Believe: Hire individuals who share your vision and purpose.

Principles and Values

Guiding principles are essential for maintaining focus and consistency within a company. These principles should be simple, memorable, and broad enough to guide actions at all levels of the organization.

"Without guiding principles, companies end up clutching any available tactic to try to hit their numbers." - Jennings and Haughton

• Make a Short List: Focus on a few key principles.
• Buy-in at the Top: Involve senior leaders in creating these principles.
• Flow Through the Company: Communicate principles clearly and consistently.
• Celebrate Them: Recognize and reward behaviors that align with your principles.
• Get Rid of the CAVE People: Remove those who resist change and disrupt progress.

The Customer

High-speed companies prioritize their customers, constantly striving to anticipate and exceed their expectations. Understanding and valuing customers is crucial for maintaining growth and avoiding the "law of suckage."