Jerry Porras

Built to Last

1. IDEA 1

   Visionary companies last for generations

   Collins and Porras studied visionary companies that had thrived for decades, comparing them with similar companies that did less well. They looked for the habits that allowed these companies to endure.

2. IDEA 2

   Build clocks, not tell time

   The authors argue that great founders build organisations that can last beyond them, rather than relying on one great idea or leader. They compare this to building a clock rather than telling the time.

3. IDEA 3

   Embrace the genius of the AND

   Visionary companies reject choosing between opposites, such as stability and change. They pursue both at once. The authors believe that a company does not have to pick one side, such as low cost or high quality, and can try to achieve both.

All 8 ideas from Built to Last →