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Built to Last

summary ofBuilt to LastBook by Jim Collins, Jerry I. Porras

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You’ll learn

  • Why some companies outlast others
  • What makes visionary companies stand out
  • The ways core values influence success
  • Strategies that ensure company longevity
  • How to instill a lasting corporate culture

first KEY POINT

The dark secrets of radiant success

Have you ever dreamt of achieving Disney's recognition or Amazon's profits? Perhaps you've wondered how Boeing soared to become one of the world's most renowned companies. If you've yearned for even a fraction of that success for your own company, you're not alone — many struggle to find the right starting point. Giant corporations seldom reveal how they've stayed on top or discuss their mistakes. For example, in the 1980s, Ford lost $3.3 million. Today, it is one of the leaders in the car market because of its vision.

Every success is unique, so learn from others but don’t copy them.

People often worship vision as an almost mystical skill to peer into the future and predict what will become popular. However, it has nothing to do with magic; it's the capacity to understand your company's direction of growth and not only predict but actively create trends. But how do popular brands do it? What are the dark secrets behind their success stories? Come along and find your vision.

second KEY POINT

How to become immortal

The fear of death is a universal human experience, as no one truly knows what will happen, and this reality can unsettle even the bravest souls. Just as civilizations, organizations, and companies eventually meet their end, humanity has long sought ways to leave an imperishable legacy throughout history. That is what the developers of Mercedes achieved in 1886 and Coco Chanel in 1910. They didn't know that their products would become synonymous with luxury and wealth a century later, but they had a vision and worked tirelessly to make it influential.

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first KEY POINT

Not “or” but “and”: why you should think bigger

second KEY POINT

Shoot for the moon to achieve the stars

third KEY POINT

The solution for your evolution

fourth KEY POINT

Tips to find the top talent without going crazy

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras are renowned business scholars from Stanford University. After dozens of business studies worldwide, they derived the formula of a visionary company and shared it to help new entrepreneurs build a better future.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies about?

Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, authored by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras, explores the foundational habits of enduring companies. The book delves into the principles that enable visionary organizations to thrive over decades, focusing on their core values and cultural principles.

What are the key takeaways from Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies?

Key takeaways from Built to Last include the importance of a strong company vision, nurturing a culture of innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The authors emphasize that successful companies prioritize their mission over profits, fostering resilience and adaptability.

Is Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies worth reading?

Yes, Built to Last is highly regarded for its deep insights into what makes companies truly successful over time. Readers seeking to understand effective business strategies and cultural longevity will find it a valuable resource.

How many pages is Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies and when was it published?

Built to Last spans approximately 256 pages and was published in 1994. This classic management book continues to be influential in business literature.

What makes Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies unique?

What makes Built to Last unique is its research-driven approach, grounded in extensive case studies of prominent companies. The book provides actionable insights backed by real-world examples, which help illuminate the habits that foster long-term success.