Good to Great CD : Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Other's Don't

Customer Reviews

Jim Collins: REQUIRED READING (See why.)

With an overall keen focus on discipline and accountability, Jim Collins was assisted by a large team of gifted, discerning graduate students. Hence, "Good to Great" is a most welcome piece of major solid research in our current time when "business spin" has contributed to the failure of corporations, market values, employee careers, etc. Unfortunately, similar books over the past few decades have relied more on "impressionism" from the author(s), including the now famous "In Search of Excellence" which has since been exposed as not fully grounded in the true facts of the time. While Warren Buffet is not identified as a "Level 5" leader in "Good to Great," this is a volume which could surely bear the imprimatur from that "Sage of Omaha." This book could even assist GE's Jack Welch "grow" into a more effective individual. [Prepare yourself for a surprise-jolt: based on Jim Collins' penetrating analyses across 11 major organizations, Mr. Welch would probably be considered as a "Level 4" leader.]

This book is of significant value to anyone wanting to move from "good to great" no matter if it is within a profit, not-for-profit, or even in a home-family setting. Great, easy reading and, most importantly, an excellent, life-long reference manual to help you remain "tuned-up." Notably, this book should be a required supplemental text for all general management courses (undergraduate or graduate).

Most insightful leadership book I have ever read!

There have been many well-thought, good reviews on this book by Jim Collins. I will try to provide one more, with a slightly different perspective. This text is all about people - how to understand them, lead them, tap into them, and in so doing- how to create an organization that flourishes for sustained periods. Collins brilliantly discusses how to select the appropriate team, what to look for in a CEO and in managers (Level 5 Leadership), how to go about making truly effective decisions, how to create a culture that encourages honesty and creativity, how momentum is both created and maintained, how to be the best at what your company does, and much more!

Essentially the above is a very brief summary from most of the chapters. Beyond that, this book is practical. It provides keys and real examples on how to do the principes rather than giving the reader mere theory with little real-life application. This book is a huge breath of fresh, real-world air in that it is not trendy. It is down to earth, well written, fun to read, and the author does not try to impress by coming up with some grand, new theme that sounds impressive but leaves little life application available. This is far and away the best business book I have ever read. I've read it twice and am about to begin my 3rd read. It will inspire you and open your eyes to the role of people, of management, of the organizations culture, and to refreshingly practical and proven ideas that work wonderfully from your home to your church to your Fortune 500 company. Enjoy!

Study on Critical Factors for Organisational Greatness

Collins' curiosity and clear study brings to light some of those factors that contribute to greatness. These findings are grounded within individual, teachable 'points of view' which are easily applied to large organisations and applicable to small busness as well.
Collins puts his findings in clear accessable language. Including the finding that is responsible for the title... That good is the enemy of great.
I highly recommend this book/CD to leaders that are enaged with designing futures and those that work with them. It is core reading for key teams. It has made a significant difference in being able to articulate powerful conversations with teams about that which is tacit and critical to success. Giving common language and principles to engage with. A great study book for learning teams.