Good to Greater: The Power of Leadership, Discipline, Dispelling the Myths and 'Your Personal Board'
In the relentless pursuit of business excellence, many leaders face the daunting task of guiding their organisations from being merely good to achieving something greater. This journey is not a sprint but a marathon, requiring not only strategic acumen but also the right support structures, including what Jim Collins advocates as a “personal board.” For business owners and CEOs, this journey demands disciplined leadership, a clear strategic focus, and the invaluable insights that come from being part of a confidential business peer group like the Alchemists Forum, a uniquely focused entity that excels at being your “personal board.”
From Good to Greater: The Leadership Challenge
The journey from good to greater is an evolutionary process. It’s about making the transition from a company that performs well to one that consistently outperforms its competitors, regardless of the market conditions. This transformation is characterised by a steadfast commitment to improvement, driven by what Collins describes as the Flywheel Effect. Leaders must recognise that greatness isn’t achieved through sudden, radical changes but through the cumulative impact of disciplined actions taken over time.
For CEOs and business owners, the Flywheel Effect emphasises the need for persistence. Each small, thoughtful action contributes to a larger momentum that, over time, becomes an unstoppable force driving the company toward greater success. This requires not only vision but also the patience to see that vision through, even when the initial progress may seem slow.
The Right People, The Right Focus
At the heart of every great company are great people. Collins’ research underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with the right team—individuals who not only possess the necessary skills but are also deeply aligned with the company’s values and vision. Before leaders can focus on strategy, they must ensure that they have the right people "on the bus."
For business leaders, this means prioritising talent management as much as strategic execution. It’s about creating an environment where the right people can thrive and where those who do not fit the company’s culture and goals are gracefully transitioned out. A strong, cohesive team is essential for driving the company from good to greater, as they will collectively push the flywheel forward with aligned purpose.
But greatness isn’t just about having the right team; it’s also about having the right focus. Collins introduces the Hedgehog Concept—a simple yet powerful framework that helps companies identify the intersection of what they can be the best at, what drives their economic engine, and what they are most passionate about. For CEOs, this concept serves as a strategic North Star, guiding all decisions and actions.
By embracing the Hedgehog Concept, leaders can strip away distractions and focus on what truly matters. This clarity enables the company to channel its resources and energy toward areas that will yield the greatest returns, ultimately driving the company from good to greater.
The Vital Role of the Alchemists Forum as “Your Personal Board”
As leaders strive to transform their companies, they often find themselves isolated, facing decisions that could have significant ramifications. It is here that the reality of your personal board becomes invaluable. Jim Collins suggests that every leader should surround themselves with a group of trusted advisors—individuals who provide honest feedback, challenge assumptions, and offer diverse perspectives.
The Alchemists Forum is specifically and uniquely focused on serving this role for business owners and CEOs. Built with the explicit competency of being “your personal board,” the Alchemists Forum offers a confidential, supportive environment where leaders can engage with like-minded peers who understand the unique challenges of leadership. In these forums, leaders can share their experiences, gain insights, and receive support from others who have faced similar challenges.
For a CEO, being part of the Alchemists Forum can be transformative. It provides a safe space to test ideas, gain new perspectives, and receive candid feedback that might not be available within the organisation. The collective wisdom of this peer group, which is finely tuned to the specific needs of business owners and CEOs, helps leaders navigate complex decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and stay focused on what truly drives greatness.
Moreover, the Alchemists Forum ensures accountability. When leaders are surrounded by peers who expect them to perform at their best, they are more likely to follow through on their commitments and make the tough decisions that are often necessary for driving the company from good to greater.
Discipline and Decisiveness: The Path to Greater
Great companies are not built on ideas alone but on the disciplined execution of those ideas. Disciplined action is a cornerstone of the transformation from good to greater. This discipline extends to knowing when to stop doing things that do not contribute to the company’s core focus. Leaders must develop the courage to abandon activities, projects, or business units that do not align with the company’s Hedgehog Concept.
This disciplined approach ensures that the company’s resources are not diluted by distractions or misaligned initiatives. It allows the organisation to concentrate its efforts on what truly drives success, paving the way for sustained greatness.
Dispelling the Myths of Greatness
As CEOs and business owners embark on the journey to greatness, they must be wary of common myths that can derail their efforts. Collins’ research debunks several misconceptions about what it takes to achieve greatness:
The Myth of the Change Program: True transformation doesn’t come from a one-time change initiative but from a culture of continuous improvement. Leaders must focus on building processes that drive ongoing progress rather than relying on temporary programs.
The Myth of the Burning Platform: Waiting for a crisis to drive change is a flawed approach. Great companies proactively seek out opportunities for improvement, even in the absence of external pressure.
The Myth of Financial Incentives: While financial rewards are important, they are not the primary motivator for greatness. Instead, intrinsic motivation, driven by a clear vision and strong values, is what truly propels companies forward.
The Myth of Technology: Technology should be viewed as an accelerator, not the primary driver of change. Leaders should focus on how technology can support their core strategies rather than seeing it as a solution in itself.
The Myth of Acquisitions: Mergers and acquisitions are not a guaranteed path to greatness. In fact, combining two average companies does not create a great one. Greatness comes from within, through disciplined focus and action.
The Myth of Revolution: Greatness is not achieved through sudden, radical changes but through the steady, cumulative impact of disciplined, strategic actions.
Conclusion: Leading with Purpose, Vision, Support, and Discipline
The transformation from good to greater is within reach for any company led by a committed and disciplined CEO. By embracing the principles outlined by Collins—building the right team, maintaining a clear focus through the Hedgehog Concept, and executing with discipline—leaders can guide their organisations to new heights.
However, this journey is not one that leaders should undertake alone. The value of your personal board cannot be overstated, and the Alchemists Forum is specifically tailored to fulfil this crucial role. With its unique focus on supporting business owners and CEOs, the Alchemists Forum provides the support, accountability, and diverse perspectives that are critical for navigating the complex path to greatness. For business owners and CEOs, engaging with the Alchemists Forum can be the difference between simply being good and achieving something truly greater.
Alchemists Forum: Your Personal Board
Working together with Your Personal Board will Connect You to the Right People, will help Clarify Your Decisions & Thinking & give You more Confidence to Unlock Greater Performance in You, Your Business & Your People
Connection > Clarity > Confidence
Alan Branagh is a seasoned business leader and M&A consultant, currently serving as the CEO of the Alchemists Forum Business Peer groups. With a strong background and career in Global corporates, in Sports Psychology and Performance, Alan is passionate about fostering inclusive and innovative workplaces. His extensive experience in executive performance, business and leadership coaching, coupled with his commitment to continuous life long learning, underscores his dedication to helping organisations transform from Good to Greater. through effective leadership.