by Jonathan Jones
Mark owns a successful contracting business. Despite his achievements, he felt torn between expanding his services and maintaining quality. Inspired by Jim Collins’ insights from Built to Last, particularly the concept of avoiding the “Tyranny of the OR,” Mark decided to shift his approach toward the “Genius of the AND.”
Collins emphasizes that businesses can pursue multiple goals simultaneously—it’s not about choosing one over the other. Mark embraced this philosophy by engaging his leaders to implement strategies that allowed him to expand while preserving quality. They began by conducting a thorough analysis of his customers’ needs, discovering new demands and opportunities to develop that he had not considered.
Instead of viewing these goals as mutually exclusive, they developed a dual strategy, creating specialized teams for each sector. They trained their staff to excel in their respective areas, ensuring top-notch service across the board. This approach not only satisfied his customers but also empowered his employees, who felt more engaged in their work.
To further align his vision, Mark implemented regular team meetings where everyone could share ideas and suggest improvements. This collaborative environment fostered innovation, allowing the business to adapt and grow. In addition, it developed leaders who did not limit themselves by the “Tyranny of the Or” Mindset.
Within a year, Mark’s business thrived, proving that by embracing the “Genius of the AND” mindset, he could achieve both quality and adding new profitable services. By following Collins’ principles, business leaders like Mark can break free from limiting beliefs and empower employees to open their minds to achieve multiple objectives.
Jonathan Jones (Jonathan.jones@vistagechair.com or 314-608-0783) is a CEO peer group chair/coach for Vistage International.