Course curriculum

    1. PDF Summary Built to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras

    2. Audio Summary Built to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras

    3. Purchase Built to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras

    1. Quiz: Built to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras

    2. Homework Activity: Built to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras

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From the Source

“Preserve the core and stimulate progress.”

Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras

Themes of the Book

  • Core Ideology

    Visionary companies are built on a foundation of enduring core values and a purpose that transcends profit, guiding their actions and decisions over the long term.

  • Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs)

    Setting bold, ambitious goals that challenge and inspire the organization is common among visionary companies, driving them to achieve extraordinary results.

  • Cult-Like Cultures

    These companies foster strong, cohesive cultures that align employees with the company’s core ideology, creating a sense of belonging and commitment that propels the organization forward.

Book Summary

Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras explores the fundamental principles behind companies that have stood the test of time and sustained their success across generations. The authors studied 18 visionary companies—such as IBM, 3M, and Disney—comparing them with less successful counterparts to uncover what sets them apart.

A significant insight is that visionary companies don’t merely focus on making profits; they adhere to core ideologies, balancing the need to stay true to foundational values while fostering constant innovation. These companies embrace a long-term perspective, focusing on enduring success rather than short-term gains. They preserve their core values while stimulating progress through adaptability and continuous improvement.

Collins and Porras also emphasize the importance of “cult-like cultures,” where employees are deeply aligned with the company’s mission and vision. Visionary companies are willing to make bold moves and take calculated risks, yet maintain a clear sense of purpose guiding their decision-making. The book introduces the “Big Hairy Audacious Goals” (BHAGs), which are ambitious, clear objectives that push companies to stretch their limits while inspiring collective effort.

Another key takeaway is that visionary companies are built to last beyond the tenure of any single leader. Their strong institutional structures allow them to transcend the abilities of their founders, creating legacies that endure over decades. Overall, the book shows that by blending a commitment to core values with the willingness to innovate, companies can achieve stability and dynamic growth, making them “built to last.”