Built to Last: Summary
Everything you need to know about James C. Collins's Built to Last, in 1 paragraph.
Built to Last by James C. Collins is a book that explores the characteristics that make organizations successful and long-lasting. It examines 18 iconic companies such as 3M, Wal-Mart, and Disney to understand what makes them stand out from their competitors and how they have achieved longevity. The book looks at how these companies have managed to remain at the top despite ever-changing market conditions and argues that such success depends on having a core purpose, focusing on innovation, building strong cultures and values, and having strong leadership.
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Built to Last: Key Points
- Successful companies have a core ideology that shapes the organization's purpose, values, and business strategy. It is the spine of the organization and guides its decision-making.
- The most successful companies are able to balance continuity with change and combine a culture of discipline with a culture of creativity.
- It is important to have strong leadership that is able to articulate and promote the company’s core ideology.
- Companies should avoid trends and fads, instead looking for sustainable solutions for long-term success.
- Companies should focus on their core competencies and differentiate themselves from their competitors.
- Companies should form strategic alliances when appropriate in order to leverage their strengths and capitalize on opportunities in the marketplace.
- Quality is a priority for successful companies, who invest in research and development and strive for continuous improvement of their products, services, and processes.
What to say about Built to Last
- "Built to Last is an incredibly insightful book with a wealth of knowledge on how to create long-term success for businesses."
- "The core principles outlined in Built to Last are essential for any business that wants to establish longevity and lasting success."
- "The research conducted by James C. Collins for Built to Last provides invaluable insights into the key components of successful companies."
- "This book offers a unique perspective on how organizations can become more resilient and withstand changing times."
- "Built to Last is an important read for any business leader looking to build a lasting legacy."
- "The case studies included in the book are an invaluable source of learning for organizations who want to emulate the success of others."
- "James C. Collins' research proves that successful companies have certain shared characteristics, and this book explores them in detail."
- "Built to Last provides valuable guidance on how to develop a culture of excellence in organizations."
- "The principles outlined in Built to Last provide a roadmap for businesses seeking long-term growth and stability."
- "This book is a must-read for anyone interested in creating an enduring legacy within their organization."
What to post on LinkedIn or Twitter about Built to Last
- “Just finished reading Built to Last by James C. Collins and it's given me a new perspective on how to build a lasting business! #business #success”
- “Built to Last is an essential read for any business leader looking to make their company stand the test of time! #businessstrategy #leadership”
- “James C. Collins has done a great job in providing invaluable insights on creating successful businesses that last in his book Built to Last! #businessinsights #entrepreneur”
- “If you want to know the secrets of creating companies that are successful and sustainable, then Built to Last by James C. Collins is the go-to book! #startup #sustainable”
- “I highly recommend picking up a copy of Built to Last by James C. Collins - it's filled with great advice on how to build a business that will last! #businessadvice #professionaldevelopment”
Top 5 Quotes from Built to Last
- "Preserve the core and stimulate progress."
- "Great visions cast spells, inspiring people to become committed beyond reason."
- "The best leaders are those whose actions create an environment in which people are self-motivated toward the goals of the organization."
- "If you want to build a great enduring company, you start by building great enduring products."
- "A company's performance is a function of the collective capacity for disciplined thought and action of its members."
Other books by James C. Collins
- Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t
- Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck--Why Some Thrive Despite Them All
- How the Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In
- Beyond Entrepreneurship: Turning Your Business Into an Enduring Great Company
Did you know?
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Built to Last was the first book written by Jim Collins, and it became an instant bestseller, with over 1.5 million copies sold since its original publication in 1994.
