Catalyst 2011 – Jim Collins Takeaways

Perhaps the only leadership guys I enjoy more than Jim Collins are Ken Blanchard and John Maxwell.  Jim Collins is purely genius though.  His books, Good to Great and How the Mighty Fall have been substantial books in my life.  So, any time I get to pick up some nuggets from him like I did today at Catalyst is a real treat!

Here are my takeaways:

• Greatness is not the sole result of circumstance but also a direct result of conscious decision.
• Try to change every “what” question into a “who” question.
• Your strategy for climbing a mountain isn’t nearly as important as who your climbing partner is.
• Darwin Smith, CEO of Kimberly Clark: “I was just trying to become prepared for the job.”
• It isn’t about personality. It’s about humility. <-leadership begins here.
• But, humility combined with will power is the essence of where leadership begins.
• Bad decisions taken with good intentions are still bad decisions.
• Never grow beyond your ability to preserve your culture! -Southwest Airlines
• Fanatic Discipline is discipline on the tough days to move ahead AND discipline on the good days not to overreach.
• Herb Kelleher, CEO of Southwest Airlines: “We’re so paranoid that we’ve predicted 11 of the last 3 recessions!”
• The only mistakes we learn from are the ones we survive.
• The signature of mediocrity is chronic inconsistency.