From Good to Great

Jim Collins, author of the famed Good to Great book has also came up with a monograph Good to Great and the Social Sectors released in 2006. In the monograph, he explores what makes non profit organizations great. Like Peter Senge, he emphasizes the importance of discipline: “[I]f some do well, and others do not in the same circumstance, the answer cannot be circumstance. Greatness is not a function of circumstance. It is a function first and foremost of conscious choice and discipline. We are not imprisoned by our circumstances. We are freed by our choices and discipline.” He brushes aside the divide between social and business missions saying "The critical distinction is not between business and social. The critical difference is between great and good. A culture of discipline that engages in disciplined thought and disciplined action in relentless pursuit of success is a greatness concept. You'll find that culture of discipline wherever you find sustained great results: an orchestra playing a Mahler symphony so perfectly you cannot sleep, in elementary schools where 100% will read. You will find it in Lance Armstrong. You will find it in great companies, in great nonprofits. Not in the mediocre...Disciplined people who engage in disciplined thought and disciplined action is what I want you to take away. Our work is too important not to be disciplined."

In his recent speech at the anniversary of an NGO in the US, he asked: “How many of you have a 'to do' list? I'd like to suggest that the presence of a 'to do' list without a corresponding 'stop doing' list is unproductive. If you have three 'to do's' and no 'stop-doings,' you're undisciplined. You can be Bill Gates and you still get 24 hours in a day. It's not what you do; it's what you have the discipline to NOT do.”