beyond entrepreneurship

“beyond entrepreneurship” is the work by Jim Collins who is the author of “Build to Last”, “Good to Great” among other publications. I recently had a chance to read the “beyond entrepreneurship” and was really helpful for me in finding the fundamental business leadership in entrepreneurial environment. The books starts with vivid illustration of “M syndrome”, where “M” stands for malaise — a symptom when you can be an ineffective business leader.

M is a very smart and talented business person and has a solid industry experience. M dedicates himself to the work and the market segment of M’s company is growing fast. Nevertheless, the company of M, after early success, is now slowly sinking down.

What did M do wrong?

The books illustrates how M did it wrong in depth, all of which I still find it helpful even the first publication of the book dates back to 1992. The fundamental business leadership competencies, which Jim Collins elaborately explore in his later works, are identified; the importance of vision, trust, innovation, culture, and clarity. The book closes with an inspiring clause, to which I sometimes go back and read myself in order to make myself believe;

You too can build a company that stands for something, that sets a standard, not only of performance, but also of values. You too can build an organization that rises above that fray and shows by its success that greatness and fundamental human decency and respect go hand in hand. You too can build a company that you can look back on at the end of your life, and say, “I’m proud of what I’m leaving behind, and I respect myself for the way I’ve gone about doing it. My life has been well spent.”