“Building a visionary company requires one percent vision and 99 percent alignment.” – Jim Collins & Jerry Porras – Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies
Jim Collins and Jerry Porras are renowned authors and management theorists best known for their influential book, “Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies,” published in 1994. This work emerged from a comprehensive six-year research project that aimed to identify the characteristics that enable certain companies to thrive over the long term, often outlasting their competitors and adapting to changing market conditions.
Jim Collins, born on January 25, 1958, is a prominent business consultant and lecturer who has dedicated much of his career to studying what makes companies successful. He is also the author of several bestsellers, including “Good to Great,” which further explores the principles of effective leadership and organizational success. Collins’s research emphasizes the importance of disciplined thought and action, as well as the need for a strong organizational culture.
Jerry Porras, born on September 20, 1938, is an esteemed academic and professor emeritus at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. His expertise lies in organizational behavior and change, and he has contributed significantly to the understanding of how companies can develop and maintain a visionary approach. Porras’s work often focuses on the dynamics of leadership and the role of core values in guiding organizational success.
In “Built to Last,” Collins and Porras introduce the concept that while having a clear vision is essential for a company’s direction, the real challenge lies in achieving alignment across the organization. The quote, “Building a visionary company requires one percent vision and 99 percent alignment,” encapsulates this idea, highlighting that the execution of a vision is heavily dependent on the collective efforts and commitment of all members within the organization. This alignment ensures that everyone is working towards the same goals, fostering a cohesive culture that supports long-term success.
The book has been widely referenced and praised by business leaders and strategists for its practical insights and frameworks. It identifies key habits and practices that distinguish visionary companies, such as maintaining a core ideology, embracing change, and setting ambitious goals. The principles outlined in “Built to Last” continue to resonate with organizations seeking to cultivate enduring success and navigate the complexities of the business landscape. Collins and Porras’s work has left a lasting impact on the field of management, inspiring countless leaders to prioritize alignment and shared purpose in their strategic endeavors.
