Execution Without Excuses: How Dell Does It

According to this Harvard Business School interview with Michael Dell, the success of Dell is based on more than its business model (essentially: computers-direct).

High expectations and disciplined, consistent execution are embedded in the company's DNA.

To double its revenues in five years, the company had to adapt its execution-obsessed culture to new demands. They had to reignite the spirit of the company to retain its top team members.

They implemented a team member survey, whose results led to the creation of the Winning Culture initiative, which defined the "Soul of Dell":

• Focus on the customer
• Be open and direct in communications
• Be a good global citizen
• Have fun in winning

BOTTOMLINE: Dell changed as individuals and as an organization. They are not only creating a "great" company that not only performs consistently both financially and operationally, they are creating a culture that makes people stick around for reasons other than money.