Great by Choice

Uncertainty, Chaos and Luck - Why Some Thrive Despite Them All

By Jim Collins

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What's it about?

Great by Choice by Jim Collins explores why some companies thrive in uncertainty while others do not. You will discover the concept of "20 Mile March," which emphasizes setting consistent, achievable goals to navigate turbulent times. The book introduces the "Fire Bullets, Then Cannonballs" principle, illustrating the importance of experimentation before major investments. Through extensive research, Collins reveals how disciplined decision-making and a strong culture of resilience can lead to sustained success. Equip yourself with practical strategies to enhance your own leadership and organizational effectiveness.

About the Author

Jim Collins is a renowned author and management guru whose works have become a beacon of inspiration for business enthusiasts worldwide. With his crisp and insightful writing style, Collins delves deep into the realms of leadership, strategy, and organizational excellence. His groundbreaking book "Good to Great" is a masterpiece that unravels the secrets of transforming good companies into extraordinary ones, backed by extensive research and captivating storytelling. Collins takes readers on a voyage through the triumphs and failures of various corporations, offering profound perspectives on humility, discipline, and unwavering commitment. In "Built to Last," he explores the enduring qualities that define visionary companies, igniting a spark of inspiration within readers to cultivate greatness. Collins' unique approach combines rigorous analysis with real-world anecdotes, empowering leaders to navigate the complexities of business with unwavering determination. His works resonate with a wide audience, provoking profound introspection and encouraging readers to strive for excellence in all aspects of life. Whether you're a seasoned CEO or an aspiring entrepreneur, Jim Collins' books are a treasure trove of wisdom that will propel you towards achieving greatness.

5 Key Ideas of Great by Choice

The 20 Mile March
Consistent, disciplined progress outperforms short spurts of intensity and long periods of rest.
Imagine two explorers setting off to cross Antarctica. One walks 20 miles each day regardless of weather, while the other walks only on sunny days, covering 40 miles but stopping altogether in bad weather. It's the disciplined march that wins—the explorer who keeps moving, rain or shine.
- Encourages consistency: It creates a stable path forward, avoiding burnout or stagnation.
- Builds momentum: Like a snowball rolling downhill, steady progress amplifies over time.
- Reduces risk: A consistent pace lessens the chance of exhaustion or resource depletion.
Choose one goal or project and commit to incremental, daily actions towards it—no matter how small.
Avoid the temptation to overexert in a burst of energy; remember, today's sprint can lead to tomorrow's stop.
Leading Above the Death Line
Prepare for unforeseen challenges and safeguard against potential hardships by systematically building buffers.
Picture a mountain climber who carries extra oxygen and food—not because they expect disaster, but because they are prepared if it comes. This foresight keeps them alive when the unexpected hits.
- Fosters preparedness: Having extra resources prevents being caught off-guard during crises.
- Enhances resilience: Buffering your resources allows you to absorb shocks smoothly.
- Reduces anxiety: Being prepared provides peace of mind and the ability to face challenges with clarity.
Audit your current safety nets—financial, emotional, or strategic—and identify one area to bolster.
Avoid postponing buffer-building until the storm hits; begin before cloud formations appear.
SMaC Recipes for Success
Craft specific, methodical, and consistent practices (SMaC Recipes) to guide your journey and withstand unpredictable changes.
Consider a chef who follows a well-tested recipe to ensure a perfect dish every time, regardless of ingredient shortages or kitchen chaos. This methodical approach assures quality and reduces variability.
- Promotes reliability: Clear-cut recipes provide stability and repeatability in execution.
- Encourages discipline: Sticking to a plan fosters consistency and enhances results.
- Adaptable yet steady: While recipes can be tweaked, having a foundation ensures continuity.
Draft a simple SMaC recipe for one personal or professional routine and commit to it for two weeks.
Avoid being rigid; allow room for minor tweaks without losing the core tenets of your recipe.

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Great by Choice Summary: Common Questions

By Farid Asadi

“The signature of mediocrity is not an unwillingness to change. The signature of mediocrity is inconsistency.”

I just finished reading Great by Choice by Jim Collins, and it was a fascinating exploration of why some companies thrive in chaos while others falter. Collins introduces the concept of the "20 Mile March," emphasizing that consistency and discipline often trump luck and ambition when it comes to business success. The contrasting cases of companies like Microsoft and Nokia kept me engrossed, particularly how their different approaches to risk and uncertainty led to vastly different outcomes.

One part that had me scratching my head was the idea of "productive paranoia"—the notion that successful leaders are perpetually alert and prepared for potential disaster. It raised questions about how much anxiety is healthy in decision-making versus when it can cloud judgment. I appreciated how Collins backs his arguments with compelling research, similar to his other work, Good to Great, but I found some of the examples a bit less relatable, making it a slight challenge to apply the lessons universally.

Overall, I highly recommend Great by Choice if you're interested in business strategy and want to understand the deeper psychological and strategic layers behind successful companies. It’s an insightful read not just for CEOs but for anyone navigating the unpredictable landscapes of life or career.

Great by Choice focuses on understanding what separates successful companies from their less successful peers in unpredictable environments, emphasizing the importance of discipline, innovation, and empirical decision-making.

By Mohammad Yekta

We would recommend Great by Choice to aspiring entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone interested in organizational success because it offers valuable insights and practical frameworks that can help navigate uncertainty and achieve sustained performance.

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