Great by Choice

In 'Great by Choice', Jim Collins introduces the concept of the '20 Mile March'. This is a metaphor for setting clear performance markers and sticking to them, no matter what. It's about consistency and discipline, not speed. So, take a look at your own life and see where you can apply this principle.

Collins suggests that successful people and companies don't just take big risks out of the blue. They first fire 'bullets' - small, low-risk actions to test the waters. Once they find something that works, they then fire 'cannonballs' - making big, decisive actions based on what they've learned. This is a great strategy to apply in your own decision-making process.

In the book, Collins talks about the 'Death Line', a point of no return where companies either succeed or fail. He suggests that great leaders are those who can navigate their teams above this line, through careful planning and risk management. This is a valuable lesson for anyone in a leadership position.

Collins encourages us to develop what he calls 'productive paranoia'. This means always being prepared for the worst, even in the best of times. It's about staying vigilant and not becoming complacent. So, dig into this concept and see how you can apply it in your life.

SMaC stands for Specific, Methodical, and Consistent. Collins found that the most successful companies had a SMaC recipe - a set of durable operating practices that create a replicable and consistent success formula. Explore this concept and find out how you can create your own SMaC recipe for success.