In control investments, or where Littlejohn is taking an active minority role on the board of a portfolio company, the firm's principals actively provide strategic guidance to their management partners, as well as operating and financial expertise. As a first step, the Littlejohn team typically works closely with management on a disciplined and rigorous identification of a company's key issues and opportunities. This leads to clear, long-term strategic and operating plans, with specific milestones and definitive priorities — ultimately resulting in a common set of expectations and goals shared by investors and management. Finally, time-tested tracking and measurement systems are installed which allow both management and the Littlejohn team to follow key drivers of performance, productivity and efficiency.
Ultimately, operating company management is judged and rewarded, as Littlejohn is, on creating value for investors. To that end, Littlejohn develops equity and compensation incentives for its management partners, enabling them to build their wealth commensurate with their contribution to the growth of the business.