214 Quotes by James C. Collins

The envisioned future should be so exciting in its own right that it would continue to keep the organization motivated even if the leaders who set the goal disappeared.

This rare ability to manage continuity and change—requiring a consciously practiced discipline—is closely linked to the ability to develop a vision.

Vision provides guidance about what core to preserve and what future to stimulate progress toward.

In retirement, Smith reflected on his exceptional performance, saying simply, "I never stopped trying to become qualified for the job.

We expected that good-to-great leaders would begin by setting a new vision and strategy. We found instead that they first got the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, and the right people in the right seats - and then they figured out where to drive it.

Level 5 leaders display a workmanlike diligence - more plow horse than show horse.

If you have the wrong people, it doesn't matter whether you discover the right direction; you still won't have a great company. Great vision without great people is irrelevant.

Truly great companies understand the difference between what should never change and what should be open for change, between what is genuinely sacred and what is not.

Creative leadership impact increases in your 50's. When I turn 50 I want to say, "Nice start!"