Great by Choice
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Great by Choice

Jim Collins;Morten T. Hansen

4.11303 learners

Over 9 years, Jim Collins and Morten Hansen analyzed companies that flourished amid extreme uncertainty—from market crashes and 9/11 to rapid tech disruption—to uncover what sets "10x companies" apart: firms that outperformed their industry by 10x or more, even when chaos seemed unavoidable. Shattering myths that success depends on visionary foresight, relentless innovation, or sheer luck, their research reveals that 10x leaders rely on three core pillars: strict discipline, evidence-based creativity, and constructive paranoia. They break down actionable strategies like the 20 Mile March (steady, consistent growth regardless of conditions), the Bullet-Then-Cannon approach (low-risk tests before big bets), and SMaC Methods (specific, consistent operating rules). This playbook proves excellence isn’t about predicting the future, but about building resilience and making disciplined, data-driven choices to take control of your destiny in an unpredictable world.

10x Companies20 Mile MarchSMaC MethodBullet-Then-Cannon StrategyConstructive Paranoia
Scenario

Intel’s Strategic Shift

Intel quit memory chips to focus on microprocessors. It kept core SMaC rules (Moore’s Law, delivery) while changing strategy—balance of consistency and change.

Intelstrategic shiftSMaC
Concept

SMaC Method Definition

SMaC stands for Specific, Methodical, Consistent operating rules. It turns strategy into actionable steps—like Southwest’s 10-point rules (only 737s, 10min turns).

ConsistencySMaC MethodOperating Rules
Scenario

Pacific Southwest’s Failure

Pacific Southwest abandoned its SMaC rules—bought hotels, ordered wrong planes. This led to bankruptcy and acquisition by US Airways.

FailurePacific SouthwestSMaC Abandonment
Method

SMaC Evolution

SMaC rules evolve slowly—like US Constitution amendments. Change only when necessary, keep core consistent (e.g., Apple’s return to initial principles).

ChangeConsistencySMaC Evolution
View

Consistency Beats Chaos

SMaC method gives stability in uncertainty. Southwest stuck to its rules for 25+ years—while Pacific Southwest abandoned theirs and failed.

StabilityConsistencySMaC
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