BUILT TO LAST: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies

By Jim Collins and Jerry Porras

How do companies like 3M, American Express, Marriott, Proctor & Gamble and Walt Disney build lasting brands that consistently out-perform their competitors by as much as 15 times?  How do they stay successful across generations of chief executives, thrive through multiple product/ services life cycles, and retain their position as the leaders of their industries? Based on 6 years of extensive research, this book debunks myths about business success, and explains how to build companies that transcend time and generations.

In this summary, you'll learn: 
• The 12 myths about great companies;
• The key principles that underlie business success (including powerful ideas like Clock-Building, embracing the big "And", Going Beyond Profits, and concurrently Preserving the Core while Stimulating progress;
• The 5 mechanisms that Visionary Companies use to institutionalize success, including BHAGs, Cult-like Culture, Experimentation, Home-Grown Management, and Continuous Improvement; and
• How to build your vision and translate your core ideology into every aspect of your company.

Who should read this:
• Organizational leaders, managers, and executives
• Consultants, brand managers, and anyone who's interested in business strategy