“Good to Great” by Jim Collins

This is one of the most read and sought after Business books over the past 10 years and is well worth the time, energy, and resources investment to add it to your Success Library. Jim Collins and his team always do phenomenal research and make a strong case of what that data is telling us about organizational success. This book is a must have my friends – even though it is 10 years old, the findings still have many of the same implications now as they did then. It is a great read that is not too data driven, etc. – great examples and writing throughout.

3 of the main lessons that I have taken from this book are:

1. Good is the enemy of Great. This title of a page says it all – too many people and organizations are striving to be average or good versus really challenging themselves to become Great. This book will help you and your organization take the necessary steps forward to bring about Greatness.

2. Organizational success is dependant on the 3 circles of the Hedgehog Concept; 1) What you can be the best in the world at, 2) What are you deeply passionate about, 3) What drives your economic engine. Without a plan and the ability to have success and commitment on these 3 areas, your organization will not be able to reach greatness.

3. A blend of Professional will and Personal humility make up what is classified as a Level 5 Leader. The research found that the ambition of successful leaders of these Great companies is first and foremost for the institution/organization and not themselves.

These are but a few of the many lessons that I’ve taken away from this book and USED over the past approx. 10 years. Out of the many business books out there, this is one of the top 5 that I feel you should read, study, and apply to your life. It’s time to take yourself and the organization you are a part of to the next level!

In Service to Your Success,

Brandon Johnson
“The Positive Energy Guy”

Award-winning Author, Speaker, & Trainer (more importantly, a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend), Brandon W. Johnson, a.k.a., "Positive Energy Guy"