by Jim Collins was first mentioned and quoted by my CEO during a recent video conference. It is always good career advice to read the same books as senior people in your company, to align to them and follow the same educational resources that influence them. In this book Jim Collins explores why some companies excel and even thrive in chaos. In an uncertain and ever changing world Collins researches seven companies and explores why these companies thrived while their peer companies failed.
Throughout the book the author identifies the key qualities that determined why some companies thrived and also the success of their key leaders. Although this is a technical and sometimes analytical book on the fortunes of the companies there are many lessons that can be learned in the area of personal development. What conditions make you excel? Why do some individuals succumb to illness, complain and become quickly overwhelmed while others just push through with determination and overcome, grow and become stronger and bigger than their problems?
Key takeaways for me are to be intensive about preparation, accepting responsibility, self discipline bordering on being fanatical and being Creativity in a systematic way. I also learned about Productive paranoia and being ever watching and ever vigilant to changing conditions that could affect my job and company. Chapter 7 is my personal favorite and explores the subject of luck. Are successful people just lucky or do they have other qualities that make them thrive and succeed in uncertainty? For successful people the mere mention of ‘luck’ is insulting to them. An excellent book to read and discuss with others but not a book to read when trying to relax on vacation!
