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Scaling up Excellence
368 pages, 2014
Sutton and Rao have spent the last decade identifying what's required to build and spread pockets of excellence in organizations, helping to keep them growing.
In Scaling Up Excellence , they combine academic research from a wealth of industries-- including start-ups, pharmaceuticals, airlines, retail, financial services, high-tech, education, non-profits, government and healthcare-- with inside accounts and case studies to identify the key challenges every organization must face when it grows.
They tackle the difficult trade-offs between encouraging personalized approaches tailored to local needs or replicating the same practices as an organization grows. They reveal how great leaders develop, spread and instill the right mindsets in their people rather than diluting those things that have fueled success in the past.
In 'Scaling up Excellence', Robert I. Sutton emphasizes the importance of scaling in any organization. He suggests that scaling isn't just about growing, but about spreading excellence throughout the organization. It's about making sure that every part of your business is performing at its best.
Sutton introduces the concept of the 'mindset' approach to scaling. This means creating a shared belief or attitude among your team that guides their actions and decisions. It's about creating a culture of excellence that everyone buys into.
On the other hand, Sutton also explores the 'replication' approach to scaling. This involves creating a successful model or system and then duplicating it in other parts of your organization. It's a more structured approach that can be very effective if done right.
Scaling up excellence isn't easy, and Sutton doesn't shy away from discussing the challenges. He talks about the 'stall-out syndrome', where growth slows or stops due to a lack of resources or direction. He also discusses the 'bad is stronger than good' problem, where negative behaviors or attitudes can quickly overshadow positive ones.
Finally, Sutton emphasizes the role of leadership in scaling up excellence. He suggests that leaders need to be both 'backstage' and 'frontstage', meaning they need to be involved in the day-to-day operations but also need to step back and let their team take the lead. It's a delicate balance that requires skill and patience.
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Scaling Up Excellence is one of the finest business books you'll ever read. It is rich in case studies, grounded in research, and brimming with practical advice.
Jim Collins - Business ConsultantScaling Up Excellence is a must-read for anyone tasked with the daunting task of scaling up a successful organization or initiative.
Adam Grant - Organizational PsychologistScaling Up Excellence is a landmark book that offers a master blueprint for any organization that aims for greatness.
Daniel Pink - AuthorScaling Up Excellence is a research-driven playbook for growing a company with soul.
Chip Heath - Business Professor