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Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't
Written by Jim Collins
Narrated by Jim Collins
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Built To Last, the defining management study of the nineties, showed how great companies triumph over time and how long-term sustained performance can be engineered into the DNA of an enterprise from the very beginning.
But what about companies that are not born with great DNA? How can good companies, mediocre companies, even bad companies achieve enduring greatness? Are there those that convert long-term mediocrity or worse into long-term superiority? If so, what are the distinguishing characteristics that cause a company to go from good to great?
Over five years, Jim Collins and his research team have analyzed the histories of 28 companies, discovering why some companies make the leap and others don't. The findings include:
Level 5 Leadership: A surprising style, required for greatness. The Hedgehog Concept: Finding your three circles, to transcend the curse of competence. A Culture of Discipline: The alchemy of great results. Technology Accelerators: How good-to-great companies think differently about technology. The Flywheel and the Doom Loop: Why those who do frequent restructuring fail to make the leap.A HarperAudio production.
Book Actions
Start ListeningBook Information
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't
Written by Jim Collins
Narrated by Jim Collins
Description
Built To Last, the defining management study of the nineties, showed how great companies triumph over time and how long-term sustained performance can be engineered into the DNA of an enterprise from the very beginning.
But what about companies that are not born with great DNA? How can good companies, mediocre companies, even bad companies achieve enduring greatness? Are there those that convert long-term mediocrity or worse into long-term superiority? If so, what are the distinguishing characteristics that cause a company to go from good to great?
Over five years, Jim Collins and his research team have analyzed the histories of 28 companies, discovering why some companies make the leap and others don't. The findings include:
Level 5 Leadership: A surprising style, required for greatness. The Hedgehog Concept: Finding your three circles, to transcend the curse of competence. A Culture of Discipline: The alchemy of great results. Technology Accelerators: How good-to-great companies think differently about technology. The Flywheel and the Doom Loop: Why those who do frequent restructuring fail to make the leap.A HarperAudio production.
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Reviews
I enjoyed Good to Great as part of our book club at work. I appreciate that the findings were based on data and research, and not anecdotes and poorly remembered details from specific business personalities. I would love to see an updated version twenty years later with how the internet has transformed things, but the book did mention how great companies use technology smartly and not rely on it completely.
Rating: 4Even though this book is over 10 years old, the concepts are still relevant and provide guidance on how to manage effectively for the long haul. Following the principles can assist with getting better employee engagement and formulating a business strategy designed for success. It's important to note that many of these concepts will take some effort and that there are no "silver bullets" that can suddenly turn a failing company into a great one, however the author does a great job of explaining the principal differences between the companies that took off (what he refers to as the "fly wheel") and those who remained stagnant or died.I did some additional research and while the majority of the companies on the "good to great" list are no longer "great" - I found that many of these companies made changes that deviated from the principles outlined in the book. Would these companies have declined if they hadn't made those changes? We'll never know for certain, since the research is merely inductive and there is no way to prove causation. I do know this is a wonderful book for mentoring new managers and getting them on course to be excellent leaders.
Rating: 4I learned a bit from this book, and was impressed at the analysis that went into it. Interesting to see that two of the companies are not great anymore (as noted by others, Fannie Mae & Circuit City). Level 5 leadership is needed everywhere. I need to read this again!
Rating: 3This is the best book on leadership I have read in a while. I particularly related to the emphasis placed on the humility and reserved nature of the great company leaders described in this book. Whilst admiring the clarity with which Collins describes the key elements of companies that have made the steps up from being good to great, I did feel some of the terms used to describe these ideas were grating at times - when you have read the word hedgehog numerous times you will understand what I mean!Overall, an excellent book from which I have learnt an enormous amount,
Rating: 4Interesting commonalities in some of the highest performing American companies.
Rating: 4Good read, interesting if you are starting out in business to make a great company, this book would help you make better decision to make a better company. Funny that some of these companies are no longer in existence.
Rating: 4Love Jim's ideas! The best part about this book is that the ideas apply to our personal lives too.
Rating: 5
Greatest and most important book I've ever read! Thanks Jim Collins!
Rating: 5
i saw this book and this book is really amazing for known about Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't - owner of https://www.thearensic.com
Rating: 4Superb book, will have to go back to it once every year
Rating: 5
Really great book supported by tremendous amount of data. Couldn't stop reading it, by far the best data-supported book you'll ever find on the topic.
Rating: 5This book shows how we all should manage our own individual lives and those we lead. It is some of the best support for great leadership!
Rating: 5Great I loved it thank you so much for sharing
Rating: 5
I love Jim Collins pure search through curiosity and his calculated Un arrogant manner of finding answers. Excellent book in his series and he continues to set high standards in quality research. Simply amazing. Industry standard.
Rating: 5
People skill..I so much loved it and I recommend it
Rating: 5
Required reading for any entrepreneur, leader, or human. Definitely gets better every time I read it.
Rating: 5
Great research book that reiterates the importance of key principles of success. Perhaps a bit on the longer side but this is a reflection of the extensive research behind the book.
Rating: 5The amount of research that went into this book is a testament to the reliability of the advice it gives! Be a hedgehog, not a fox.
Rating: 5This is truly an amazing book of which I will read over and over. Thank you Jim Collins and your team for this amazing book.
Rating: 5I really enjoyed this book and considered it to be very helpful. Although, my company is in the social sector, I still found relevance in its principles.
Rating: 5
Felt like the insights were well-distilled amd simple. enjoyed it.
Rating: 5really good read. very insightfull book. must read for middle and top level management
Rating: 5
Great book, tons of useful and practical ideas and information.
Rating: 5Great book to learn what to implement at the foundational levels of your business to grow and be successful.
Rating: 4
This one's been on my list for years. Now I'm wondering what took me so long. Very useful!!!
Rating: 5
Great narration by Mr. Collins himself (probably the greatest I've heard in audiobooks). Have questions to the content though.
Rating: 4
Very straightforward and comprehensive! Jim did it again in his manner!
Rating: 5
Excelent book. The concepts are very up to date (2020) and has helped me change my vision as an entrepreneur.
Rating: 5The very best book for reviewing and researching meaning not only in business but also in personal life. Every person can relate himself from this book. A great book to read..... The narration was excellent.
I am giving 4-stars as book can be make for large range of people too. As it is more relevant to common people too.
Best wishes to Jim and team......
Rating: 4I am giving 4-stars as book can be make for large range of people too. As it is more relevant to common people too.
Best wishes to Jim and team......
I’m a teacher, not a business person, but the principles in Good to Great apply to ALL sectors. The Stockdale paradox, the hedgehog concept and the level five leader are all principles I am taking back to my school. Even though several of the companies he studied have gone bankrupt, the way they turned from good to great over a period is still relevant. It’s a timeless classic!
Rating: 5