This book made me think twice about what makes things great. They're a lot of things that are good but a few that separate the good from great. I am definitely guilty of applying a lot of good principles but not the great ones.

I enjoyed hearing from the people who led the change and their perspectives. It made me want to model some of their behaviors.

My boss gave me this on CD to listen to so I deemed it prudent to do so!

Interesting concepts and perhaps more novel when first published - build your brand, aim for sustainability, get the right staff on board.

Sensible points almost to the point of common sense.

Essential Primer

As a student of social entrepreneurship, I was initially struck by Jim Collins's argument that social ventures should not strive to operate like traditional businesses. However, by the conclusion of his monograph, I came to appreciate his perspective that social ventures can achieve sustainability on their own terms. In this vein, Collins succinctly outlines the key elements that contribute to building 'great' and enduring organizations in the social sector. It is an essential primer, particularly for practitioners working in this space.

Nice book

I really find value in this book. I read it when it first came out and in the decade or so since, have twice turned back to it for a pick me up. So practical, down to earth and helpful. Particularly for individuals and organizations that are reevaluating strategic direction toward realizing their mission-more than seeking to gain recognition for being great.

Lots of info in a short space

Straight talk, to the point about reframing one's perspective around non-profit and business model differences. Wish I'd read this long ago.

It's good, nice and simple. It just lacked a bit of actionability.

Great book to accompany Jim Collins original book. Touches on the increased importance of true leadership in the public sector.

I enjoyed this short book. I read it for one of my graduate level courses, and knew I’d like it the moment I read the first line: “We must reject the idea—well-intentioned, but dead wrong—that the primary path to greatness in the social sectors is to become ‘more like a business.’”

Collins frames this short response book with this commentary. The book itself was written in response to social sector leaders who read “Good to Great” and pointed out differences between private and public sector organizations. Throughout this pithy work, Collins makes it clear that there shouldn’t be a distinction between businesses and non-businesses that assumes businesses are better, but rather a distinction between good organizations and great ones. There are great organizations in both sectors, and mediocre businesses are not inherently better than nonprofits. There are management and missional pieces that all organizations must master in order to be successful and move closer to greatness. All in all, I’d recommend this book to private and public sector leaders, aspiring leaders, and workers. We can move from good to great in the NPO sector with our own unique missions and non-business models.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m giving this book four stars instead of five because the way it‘s organized makes it a little hard to easily follow Collin’s thoughts and ideas (that could also be because I read the Kindle version). Also, some of the language was more wordy than it needed to be. Still, it was a good book!

1 hour read, but will need go back and invest time in the graphs and charts to truly appreciate the book.
It also gives you a good insight on how deep of a writer he is before tackling his full books. Great introduction book for Anyone debating to read his other books. Provides a quick overview view and helps you to establish goals when it’s not as simple as profit.

A solid analysis of the differing types of leadership required by the business and government sectors.

Quick but effective

I read this book as an assignment in a Leadership class and I’m so glad I did! The title did not capture my attention, but the book was fascinating. I live the concept of Good to Great. Great companies have far more in common with Great social organizations than they do mediocre companies. I truly believe that no matter the organization, developing the qualities of greatness is always possible. It’s all in the attitude!