One Sentence Summary
This business book, Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck–Why Some Thrive Despite Them All by Jim Collins, looks at why some organizations succeed while others fail in uncertain and chaotic environments.
Book Genre
Jim Collins’ Great by Choice is a business book.
Main Topic of the Book
The main topic of this book is an examination of why some companies and organizations succeed while others fail in an uncertain and chaotic environment.
Key Ideas
- Organizations need to create an environment of discipline and freedom where the focus of employees is on making great choices.
- Organizations need to possess the vision to survive and thrive in the face of chaos and uncertainty.
- Organizations should strive for excellence in order to stand out in a crowded and competitive marketplace.
- Organizations should embrace luck, learn from failure, and focus on developing a performance-oriented culture.
- The future of organizations can be secured by always striving for excellence and never becoming complacent.
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary
Great by Choice is divided into three parts:
- Part I looks at why some organizations succeed and others fail in uncertain environments. It examines the differences between successful organizations and those that fail, and how taking risks and creating an atmosphere of discipline and freedom in the workplace can lead to success.
- Part II looks at how organizations can achieve excellence. Here, Jim Collins examines the differences between mediocre and excellent performers and explains how organizations should strive to take risks, stay focused on their goals, and embrace luck in order to achieve success.
- Part III looks at how organizations can create a performance-oriented culture. Here, Jim Collins provides practical advice on how organizations can create an environment that is focused on excellence and how to sustain and grow in a world of constant change and uncertainty.
Key Takeaways
- Organizations should strive for excellence in order to stand out in a crowded and competitive marketplace.
- Risk-taking and creating an environment of discipline and freedom can lead to success.
- Organizations should embrace luck, learn from failure, and focus on developing a performance-oriented culture.
- The future of organizations can be secured by always striving for excellence and never becoming complacent.
Author’s Background and Qualifications
Jim Collins is a business consultant and author. He has written numerous books on how to create successful organizations, including Good to Great, Built to Last, and Great by Choice. He is also the founder of Management Lab, a consulting firm dedicated to studying and helping businesses and organizations succeed.
Target Audience
Great by Choice is intended for business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders of organizations who want to learn how to succeed in uncertain and chaotic environments.
Publisher and First Publication Date
Great by Choice was first published by HarperCollins in 2011.