"Sharpbenders" is a term coined by the authors to describe the process of rapid improvement in a company's performance in comparison with their competitors. This is a study of just this achievement in high technology industries and a wide range of other companies, from traditional textiles to publishing and whisky distilling! All companies have the potential to improve, the secret is to unleash that potential. The study includes well known names such as Glaxo, Fisons and Ferranti as well as smaller and newer companies who may be the household names of the future. It contains a careful analysis of company performance and interviews with top management. It asks why the companies had relatively weaker performance beforehand, what stimulated them into action, the strategies used in achieving the sharp improvement and the continuing good performance of the companies which fosters continuing dynamic change. The approach is practical allowing companies to learn from the proven experiences of the companies analyzed.