This book not only explains which are the key success drivers for an organization to become great, but also lets us know what to do in order to achieve results on each of these drivers. I work in the Planning division of a major insurance company...I have read lots of stuff about strategic planning, and I find the content of this book to be the one that captures the essence of successful planning.
According to the authors, any person involved in leading or transforming a business, should focus on 5 dimensions. In order to become truly successful, you should achieve a great performance on each dimension.These dimensions are:
1. Leadership Style 2. Vision, values and corporate culture 3. Strategy 4. Innovation 5. Tactical Excellence
There is a chapter for each point which are full of practical examples and stories about successes and failures.
I also recommend "Built to Last", from the same author.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to build a great and enduring company.
All of that being said, this is how the book is organized thematically:
Chapter 1: Leadership StyleChapter 2: VisionChapter 3: StrategyChapter 4: InnovationChapter 5: Tactical Excellence
The key topics of chapter 1 are the multiplier effect of leadership, the different style of leadership, and the elements of leadership (Ever Forward, Communication, Hard/Soft People Skills, Personal Touch, Focus, Decisiveness, and Authenticity).
Chapter 2 covers the benefits of vision, and the framework for vision (core values and beliefs, purpose, and mission).
Chapter 3 discusses the Four Basic Principles of Setting Effective Strategy, Setting Strategy, Internal Assessment, External Assessment, and the Four Common Key Strategic Issues that Face SMEs.
Chapter 4 is on the Six Elements that make an innovative company, and 8 managerial techniques to stimulate creativity.
Chapter 5 discusses how to take vision to create strategy which can then be used to formulate tactics, how to create an environment where people consistently exhibit tactical excellence, and a six part process to ensure excellence.
This book also periodically presents frameworks, models, and case examples to help illustrate key points.
Overall, it is a quick and easy read, that will illustrate basic tips to run a business. I would recomend anything written by Michael Porter or Peter Drucker for more conceptual ideas. For more books like this, the Harvard Business Review series should be considered.
