Leaders Are Readers: In Search of Excellence

In Search of Excellence: Lessons from America’s Best Run Companies
By Thomas J Peters and Robert H. Waterman

This powerful, thought-provoking and fun book is considered by many as the “Greatest Business Book of All Time.”

In Search of Excellence is one of the books that has influenced me the most, and is a must-have for leaders, achievers, business schools and your bedside table. First published in 1982, it’s one of the best selling non-fiction books ever.

Exploring the art and science of management the book takes an interesting look into 43 of America’s best-run companies. Some of the companies examined in this classic are: 3M, Walt Disney, Johnson & Johnson, McDonald’s and Wal-Mart. The Authors found eight common themes in all 43 companies, which helped make them successful.

In Search of Excellence Themes:

• Being close to the customer: Learning from the people serving the business
• Autonomy and Entrepreneurship: Fostering innovation and nurturing champions
• Stick to the Knitting: Staying within the business you know
• Simultaneous “loose-tight” properties: Autonomy in shop-floor activities plus centralized values

Not many business books remain relevant 30 years after they are written, and that’s what makes In Search of Excellence such a rare gem and worthy of re-reading every year. One of the key themes of the book is that a company’s culture and shared values are actually responsible for its success and profitability. With so many organizations facing major challenges today, it’s clear many business leaders need to dust off this book and reconnect with the clarion call for innovation, entrepreneurship and paying close attention to recommendations that team members on the front line have for improving the business.

Have you had the chance to read this book? If not, I hope you’ll do so very soon! If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments about it, and it’s impact on you and your life, below.