Good to Great

Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't

By: Jim Collins

Narrated by: Jim Collins

Length: 10 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Built to Last, the defining management study of the '90s, showed how great companies triumph over time and how long-term sustained performance can be engineered into the DNA of an enterprise from the very beginning.

But what about companies that are not born with great DNA? How can good companies, mediocre companies, even bad companies achieve enduring greatness? Are there those that convert long-term mediocrity or worse into long-term superiority? If so, what are the distinguishing characteristics that cause a company to go from good to great?

Over five years, Jim Collins and his research team have analyzed the histories of 28 companies, discovering why some companies make the leap and others don't. The findings include:

• Level 5 Leadership: A surprising style, required for greatness
• The Hedgehog Concept: Finding your three circles, to transcend the curse of competence
• A Culture of Discipline: The alchemy of great results
• Technology Accelerators: How good-to-great companies think differently about technology
• The Flywheel and the Doom Loop: Why those who do frequent restructuring fail to make the leap

©2001 Jim Collins (P)2005 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Like Built to Last, Good to Great is one of those books that managers and CEOs will be reading and rereading for years to come." (Amazon.com review)

"If you believe that a visionary leader with a strong ego is an essential component of sustained business success, then Jim Collins has a few thousand words for you. His carefully researched audiobook explains that the success of companies that outperform the market for 15 years in a row comes from selfless leadership, rigorous focus, and a culture of discipline....[T]here's another reason this book has burst through as a bestseller, which you can feel in Collins's narration: He is honestly excited about his research and unconventional findings. ( AudioFile)

A Real Classic

I have listened to this book three times now. The principles described in this book are fundamental to success regardless of what you do. They can be applied in all areas of life. Thanks to Jim Collins and his team for providing quality research on what works.

great listen

I had heard this book had great info in it, but dry to read. Listening was a great way to get the info. The author's passion for this topic draws you in, given he reads it, and it engages you in the story. Recommend it!

Great nuggets

Great book with practical examples. Enjoyed learning about companies I grew up with. Definitely recommend to others.

Great Business Book

Loved it! The concepts were clear and all made sense! This book gives some great ideas and directions for those looking to build their own business

Excellent book

Listening to this book was a game changer for me. It’s in my top 3 business/leadership books.

Excellent book all around

Inspiring and clear to adopt various strategies Into the business. Hedge hog concept is a must..

So useful! for Life and business!

The study is great. The book is great. Narration, from the author. It's like attending to his best class.

Good audio book.

Very good book, just like "Built to last." Read kind of slow and weird music intervals. 8/10. will listen again.

Everything I expected it to be.

Great tips, stories and facts to support the ideas. I would recommend this to a friend or colleague but not a competitor.

Loved having Jim read it!

Having the author read his own book was amazing because he would emphasize the very important points that he was trying to get across. It was very enjoyable to listen to!