Good to Great

Apr 24, 2010 | Growing Business | 0 comments

I saw these posters from the book Good to Great last time I was at the EO meeting at Lush’s office. I loved them, so got a copy of them and had them framed.

In a way the Good to Great book was very inspirational to me – as it had showed that it is ordinary CEO’s – that combine hard work and persistence that make great companies – not necessarily the guys that are flash/glamour/etc.

So, it was great to see these posters and to capture the inspiration of the book in just 5 slides.

I have in fact been using one of the graphics from the book in my RedStores presentations already – and that is the this graphic:

Here is a short description of the level of leaders:

Using hundreds of interviews, he identified the key factors that enable a company to move from mediocre institutions to great institutions. The comparison companies lacked these factors and failed to become great. Perhaps the most important component of the transition from good-to-great is what he calls "Level 5 Leadership".

Level 1 is a Highly Capable Individual who "makes productive contributions through talent, knowledge, skills and good work habits."

Level 2 is a Contributing Team Member who "contributes individual capabilities to the achievement of group objectives and works effectively with others in a group setting."

Level 3 is the Competent Manager who "organizes people and resources toward the effective and efficient pursuit of predetermined objectives."

Level 4 is an Effective Leader who "catalyzes commitment to and vigorous pursuit of a clear and compelling vision, stimulating higher performance standards."

Level 5 is the Executive who "builds enduring greatness through a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will." Every one of the good-to-great companies has level 5 leaders in the critical transition phase. None of the comparison companies did. These leaders are described as being timid and ferocious, shy and fearless and modest with a fierce, unwavering commitment to high standards.

The Jack Welch’s, the "Larger-than-life” celebrity leaders, who ride in from the outside are negatively correlated with taking a company from good-to-great.