The genius of the "AND" -- use his book AND his web site

books:

	• Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies Jim Collins, Jerry I. Porras Collins Business, 2004 - 368 pages average customer review:based on 149 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Excellent and question for those who have read!?

Howdy All,

An excellent book, highly recommended to all those in business (or starting a business) who really want to make a difference (not just make a quick buck).

Now here's my question:

I remember reading a section in the book where it explained how a hotel or motel CEO would get all new hires into his office on their first day and explain to them how they should see each day at work as a challenge to them.

I'd like to find that section again to reread (and quote it) but no matter how much I browse the book I can't seem to find it. I believe it was in the second half (or even more towards the end) of the book.

I've tried on-line searching (of the book) but that's not been successful (since I don't believe the whole thing is indexed. If anyone's starting out reading the book, or has just read it, or knows it like the back of their hand, perhaps you can help?

Any pointers (page number, chapters() would be most appreciated.

Please email mrhatken@mac.com

Thanks in advance,
Ashley Aitken.

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A Classic

Of all books on business strategy, this one packs a rare combination of academic rigor, practicality and insight. It's one of a dozen timeless business strategy books in existence.

Collins (and Jerry Porras) decided to create a rigorous set of performance measurement criteria to determine which companies not only succeeded financially, as measured primarily by stock price, but also maintained the gain for a long period of time. Jim and Jerry then built a series of hypotheses around these companies as contrasted with industry competitors which had similar market opportunities but no equivalent long-term success.

The results are incredibly direct and determinative:

o If you want to last, your culture must be values-based.
o You must clearly understand your "core purpose" as well as embrace, articulate, hire to and demonstrate your core values. o The core purpose must last at least 100 ears.
o Your vision must include a BHAG to lend continued vitality to your organizations.
o The BHAG must be describable in clear, vibrant, engaging and inspirational terms.

In teaching strategic planning, I use these ideas as clear, straghtforward and energizing principles. In creating strategy, these compelling ideas are indispensible as a focal point for group success.

The 3 Cs for success are clarity, commitment and competence. This book covers the first two better than anything else out there today. It belongs on your shelf.

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The genius of the "AND" -- use his book AND his web site

I listened to the audio version on my way to work. The bonus author interview at the end was the best part. It included a pitch for one of his other books "Good to Great". Jim Collins also has a web site, of the same name, that has an additional 10 non business books that he recommends. These additional resources have provided two of the next books I plan on reading.
As far as Built to Last goes, the following are some of his key concepts from this book.
1. Be a "Clock builder" instead of a "teller of time"
2. BHAGS (def in the book)
3. The "and" instead of the "or"
4. Preserve the core
5. Cult like corporate cultures
6. Stimulating progress
7. Alignment
8. All leaders die
Two other tid bits that caught my attention: The fact about how at the 18 visionary companies only 4 CEO's have ever been selected to the top spot in these organizations from outside the company. And finally the 3M example of how to effectively facilitate interaction between internal departments, by inventing a Technology Sharing Award and Technical Honor Society.
If you are a business type climbing the corporate ladder, it is worth a read. 3.5 to 4 stars

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The Perfect Business Book - A Must Read

The next time you see a book that casts a business leader as a mythical or heroic figure, go back to this book and see if the leader passes the 'Level 5 Leader' tests. Sandy Weill, for example, fails that test miserably, since he cares nothing for his company or its employees, and only about feeding his insatiable appetite for personal profit, self-aggrandizement, and great food, in that order. Weill is an example of the so-called celebrity leaders who are very reluctant to groom and name their successors, since they care far more about holding onto their power than for the longer-term welfare of the company and its employees. The last thing you'd see these quasi-leaders do is sacrifice their power or money for longer benefit of the company. Eisner is another perfect example of Emperor-CEO who got paid obscene amount of money and drove out top talents from Disney, while its business and stock prices languished badly.

A perfect business book - erudite, entertaining, and relevant - and a must-read for anyone who ever dreamed of becoming (or simply working for) the true business leader.

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Easy to read & Shattered Myths

Overall, this is an excellent book about how to build a company that will stand the test of time. The authors present the information in a format that is easy to read for the senior executive or someone with no business experience. While the authors present detailed and informative examples of actions that businesses have taken to be successful, the number of examples can become cumbersome. If someone is looking for a quick reference of strategies to improve a company, this is probably not the book for them, but if an individual is looking for an in depth report on techniques used by companies, it would be a useful tool. This book's intent is to show you the cogs that matter and give you some framework by which to align them to drive a company constantly/relentlessly forward. Often managers get lost in the P&L of the day. While that is important, it may not be enough to keep the fiber of the organization together. This book can serve as a reminder to us all of what is important to maintain a business that is financially successful but more importantly keeps its employees and customers happy. This book's simple goal is to shatter two myths that many believe a visionary company is founded upon, the incredibly innovative product and the charismatic leader.

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reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, page 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

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