Good to Great

• Jim Collins
• 2001-01-01
• 9780787955727
• Business & Leadership

Good to Great is a business book written by Jim Collins that explores the key factors that distinguish successful companies from their less successful counterparts. Collins is a well-known speaker and author on the topic of organizational performance, and his book has been widely recognized as a classic in the field.
According to Collins, the key to building a great company is to start with the right people. He argues that great companies are built by putting the right people in the right roles, and that they are characterized by a strong sense of leadership and accountability.
Collins identifies a number of key factors that distinguish great companies from good ones. These include:
1. A clear and compelling vision: Great companies have a clear and compelling vision for the future that guides their decisions and actions.
2. A focus on results: Great companies are focused on delivering results, and they are willing to make tough decisions in order to achieve their goals.
3. A culture of discipline: Great companies have a culture of discipline that is characterized by a focus on execution, accountability, and continuous improvement.
4. A commitment to innovation: Great companies are committed to continuous innovation and are always looking for ways to improve and grow.
5. A willingness to take calculated risks: Great companies are willing to take calculated risks in order to achieve their goals, but they do so in a disciplined and thoughtful manner.
To help organizations build a great company, Collins recommends a number of strategies, including:
1. Defining a clear and compelling vision: This involves identifying the purpose and values that drive the organization, and using this vision to guide decision-making and action.
2. Building a strong leadership team: This involves identifying and developing leaders who are aligned with the organization's vision and values, and who are committed to delivering results.
3. Focusing on results: This involves setting clear and measurable goals, and holding people accountable for achieving them.
4. Embracing a culture of discipline: This involves creating systems and processes that support execution and continuous improvement, and holding people accountable for following them.
5. Encouraging innovation: This involves fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation, and providing resources and support for innovation.
Overall, Good to Great is a valuable resource for leaders looking to build a successful and enduring organization. Collins' insights are based on extensive research and analysis, and his strategies have been proven to work in a variety of settings. Whether you are a CEO, a manager, or an entrepreneur, Good to Great is a must-read for anyone looking to build a great company.