I generally try to read a few books at a time. My former manager Kevin Doohan recommended that I juggle a “business” book with a easier/more enjoyable read. I’ve taken his advice to heart. I’m just about done with, “Men in Black: How the Supreme Court is Destroying America” which I received as a gift from my dad. While I’m nearly done with that back, I did just finish reading, “The Breakthrough Company” by Keith McFarland.
Christine Fruechte, our CEO & President, shared her copy with me and asked me to give it a read. I’ve read Blue Ocean and Good to Great, both of which are similar to Breakthrough Company. This isn’t overly surprising when you consider that Keith is quite tight with Mr. Jim Collins. It’s an interesting read and something I recommend to anyone trying to figure out how to win and make changes. As noted here, this quote gives a great overview of the book’s main point, “When a leadership team realizes that strategy is really the single most important opportunity for learning within a company, it is free to drop some of the more cumbersome trappings of traditional strategic planning.” Personally my favorite concept that McFarland shares is that leaders need to CROWN THE COMPANY instead of themselves.
Think about it. We’ve all been at companies where we fundamentally believe the upper 10% are more interested in giving themselves fancy titles and larger bonuses instead of doing good by the company. The concept of crowning the company is all about putting the company first and yourself second. Not a bad philosophy at all.
Give it a read.
Head of Social Media at Walgreens. Interactive marketer, innovator, boat rocker, continuous learner, movie lover, risk taker, dad and all around good guy. I'm always up for a spirited conversation. These are my thoughts and ramblings, not those of my employer.
