214 Quotes by James C. Collins

A visionary company doesn’t simply balance between idealism and profitability: it seeks to be highly idealistic and highly profitable.

There is nothing I find more exciting than picking a question that I don’t know the answer to and embarking on a quest for answers.

Good is the enemy of great. That’s why so few things become great.

What work makes you feel compelled to try to create greatness?

A key psychology for leading from good to great is the Stockdale Paradox: Retain absolute faith that you can and will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties, AND at the same time confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be. UNEXPECTED.

Some managers are uncomfotable with expressing emotion about their dreams, but it’s the passion and emotion that will attract and motivate others.

Victory awaits him who has everything in order – luck people call it. Defeat is certain for him who has neglected to take the necessary precautions in time; this is called bad luck.” – Roald Amundsen, The South Pole.

People need BHAGs – big hairy audacious goals.

If you have a charismatic cause you don’t need to be a charismatic leader.