“Turning the Flywheel: A Monograph to Accompany Good to Great” was published in 2019 as a follow-up to Collins’ earlier book “Good to Great,” which is a business management classic that explores the characteristics of companies that achieve sustained greatness. “Turning the Flywheel” provides a deeper look into the concept of the “flywheel,” which is a metaphor for the self-reinforcing loop of activities that drive a company’s success.
The flywheel concept
The flywheel is a powerful metaphor for the self-reinforcing loop of activities that drive a company’s success. By identifying and understanding the key components of the flywheel, leaders can develop a clear understanding of what makes their company successful and how to build momentum.
Clock building, not time telling
Great leaders focus on building enduring institutions that outlast their tenure. They don’t just tell time, they build clocks. They create systems and processes that can be sustained over the long term, and they develop a pipeline of talent to ensure that the company can continue to thrive.
Confront the brutal facts
Great companies confront the brutal facts of their reality. They are honest about their weaknesses and challenges, and they use this information to drive improvement. Leaders must create a culture of transparency, where people are encouraged to speak the truth and challenge conventional thinking.
The flywheel effect
The flywheel effect is the cumulative result of sustained effort over time. By relentlessly focusing on their flywheel, companies can build momentum and achieve lasting success. Leaders must be patient and persistent, and they must create a culture of discipline and consistency to keep the flywheel turning.
Level 5 leadership
Level 5 leadership is a key ingredient of a successful flywheel. Level 5 leaders are humble, yet driven, and they focus on achieving results rather than personal ambition. They build enduring greatness through a combination of personal humility and professional will.
Disciplined people
Disciplined people are critical to building a successful flywheel. They have the right skills and mindset, and they are aligned with the company’s purpose and values. Leaders must create a culture of discipline, where people are held accountable for their actions and performance.
The hedgehog concept
The hedgehog concept is about finding the intersection of what you are passionate about, what you can be the best in the world at, and what drives your economic engine. By focusing on this sweet spot, companies can develop a clear and compelling strategy that fuels their flywheel.
First who, then what
Great companies start with great people. Leaders must prioritize getting the right people on the bus and in the right seats before they figure out where to drive the bus. They must create a culture of excellence, where talented people are attracted to the company and empowered to do their best work.
Empirical creativity
Empirical creativity is about combining creativity with discipline. It involves testing ideas and experimenting with new approaches to see what works and what doesn’t. Leaders must create an environment where experimentation is encouraged, and failures are seen as learning opportunities.
Productive paranoia
Productive paranoia is a mindset of constant vigilance, where leaders are always looking for potential threats and opportunities. It involves staying ahead of the curve, anticipating challenges and proactively taking steps to address them.
