I've been reading Good to Great, by Jim Collins, and want to put a plug in for the book here, because the research he's done is applicable to all of us, not only women entrepreneurs, but to all students of *life*.
You may also know Collins' book, Built to Last, which is based on the results of a six year study on what makes great companies endure over time.
"Based on a five-year research project, Good to Great answers the question: “Can a good company become a great company, and, if so, how?” True to the rigorous research methodology and invigorating teaching style of Jim Collins, Good to Great teaches how even the dowdiest of companies can make the leap to outperform market leaders the likes of Coca-Cola, Intel, General Electric, and Merck."
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap . . . and Others Don’t
New York: HarperBusiness, 2001. 320 pages, 9 chapters.
Some idea sets from Mr. Collins' online laboratory:
http://www.jimcollins.com/lab/
Level 5 Leadership:
1. What is the truth of your ambition?
2. Which is harder for you, humility or will?
3. What level are you?
4. Can you learn to become a Level 5?
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First Who, Then What
1. Are you a genius with a thousand helpers?
2. Do you have the right people on the bus?
3. Are you rigorous or ruthless?
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Confront the Brutal Facts
1. Do you confront the brutal facts?
2. Do you suffer from the liability of charisma?
3. What are your red flag mechanisms?
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Hedgehog Concept
1. Are you a hedgehog or a fox?
2. What are your 3 circles?
3. Who is on your Council?
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Building your Company's Vision
1. Do you know what is core, and what is not?
2. What is your vision?
3. Do you have a good BHAG or a bad BHAG?
4. What are your base camps?
------ from JimCollins.com
By the way, a BHAG is a "Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal" and I hope you've clearly identified what your BHAG is ;-)
Collins' research shows that a *good* BHAG is at the intersection of three concepts: what you are deeply passionate about, what you can be the best in the world at, and what drives your economic engine.
I think it's a great book!
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