ROWE, WOLF, and Giant Steps Forward
by Miki Saxon
Cali Ressler and Jody Thompson started changing the work world in 2003.
That’s when they conceived and somewhat covertly initiated ROWE at Best Buy.
ROWE stands for “results only work environment” and it means just that. No set hours, no clock watching, get the job done and be evaluated based on the results and resulted in a 35% jump in productivity
These days Ressler and Thompson run CulutreRx, teaching ROWE to a variety of companies, such as GAP.
ROWE is a business strategy that’s been proven to profoundly improve workforce productivity (as much as 41%) and reduce voluntary turnover rates (as much as 90%). And, ROWE is a magnet for the talent you want to attract.
Best Buy’s culture is one that encourages creativity and good ideas at all levels, so it’s no surprise that another stand out came along a year later.
Julie Gilbert conceived and started the WOLF initiative in 2004 (she was given full ownership rights including the intellectual property and the right to take it outside anytime in exchange for building it first at Best Buy).
WOLF’s focus is to promote and enhance the role of women both inside the company and outside in their role as customers based on three precepts:
- Commitment – to the business, customers and other members of the pack
- Networking – amongst at all levels internally and externally to nurture and support one another
- Giveback – giving back to women and girls in local communities.
Sound all warm and fuzzy to you? Are you fighting back a snicker and thinking that there is no way your company would ever mess with that?
If so, try shrugging off Best Buy’s results.
Revenue
- $4.4 billion increase in revenue from female customers (11% increase in total company revenue)
Market Share
- Highest ever female market share in company history
- Females became the majority of the most “valuable “customers
Brand Reputation
- Largest increase in brand perception in company history
Network
- Passionate, global, viral customer networks growing market share and innovating new business offerings
- Over 40,000 members in 40 plus countries
Performance Outcomes
- 5% reduction in female turnover resulting in a minimum of $25 million in savings
- 18% increase in the number of female employees.
- 100% increase in females in the most profitable business unit
- 40% increase in female General Managers & General Managers In Training
- 60% increase in female Operations Managers
- 30% increase in female Customer Experience Managers
ROWE and WOLF both came from the same company while Brad Anderson was CEO.
His response to the question “Where do you find new business ideas?” says it all.
I believe that some of our best ideas have come from the people who are furthest removed from the CEO’s office – those line-level employees who interact with our customers each and every day.
Without a culture that encouraged and supported innovation from all levels ROWE and WOLF couldn’t have happened.
The MAP that enables that culture can function at any level no matter the company’s overall culture. Yes, it’s more difficult, but you can create an environment in which your people’s creativity blooms.
Your choice.
Image credit: nDevilTV on flickr
