Why Some Companies Make The Leap and Others Don’t
Jim Collins
Collins and his research team spent five years studying companies that went from good to great. They had to have been good for at least fifteen years, then undergone a transition and demonstrated greatness for at least another fifteen years. Greatness meant outperforming the stock market by an average of seven times. It also meant standing out clearly against one’s competitors, not just being part of a generally rising industry sector. With these selection criteria it is no wonder only eleven companies made the cut.
Collins and his team discovered six basic characteristics of companies that moved from good to great. Every chapter has clear arguments and definitions, great metaphors and images, abundant illustrations, and honesty in dealing with ambiguity.
Review
Good to Great is a powerful exploration of what separates truly exceptional companies from the rest. Collins and his team studied real businesses that made the leap from average performance to sustained excellence, and stayed there. What stood out most to me was the concept of Level 5 Leadership: humble, disciplined leaders who put the company’s success above their ego.
The “Hedgehog Concept” and “Flywheel Effect” also offer practical, strategic frameworks that can be applied to any business striving for long-term growth. I found it especially valuable in thinking about sustainable success and how to build a team and culture that supports it. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to turn a good organisation into a great one.
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