The Key Ingredient: People

Use a personal Touch
Sent out more than 16,000 thank-you notes to staffers of all levels.

Set Expectations
Every manager must meet with direct reports each month to update their progress on clearly articulated goals.

Open yourself up to opinions
Every six weeks, Conant has lunch with a group of dozen or so employees to hear about problems and get feedback.

Create Opportunities
Encourage Movement among staffers, develop CEO institute to bolster the pipeline of talent.