In his classic work, Good to Great, Jim Collins makes the case for how organizations and leaders must confront the brutal facts. Years later, most of us are believers, but fewer are practitioners. One of the reasons for this is a lack of know-how. To help solve this dilemma, Jeff Hayzlett brings us The Mirror Test.
Hayzlett, a man known for his energetic and enthusiastic style, offers this advice in a non-sense, practical or bust style. He sets out questions that many leaders fail to ask, out of fear or ignorance, and uses copious personal examples to make the case for why they must. Leaders have to look at what’s work and what’s not and then, perhaps more importantly, look for the why behind each of these.
In The Mirror Test, Hayzlett teaches his readers how to give the Mirror Test, why companies must adapt or die and why the bottom line of any business will always be…the bottom line. This book is less technical or methodic and more a collection of interesting and memorable stories from Hayzlett’s experience. This is a great way to present the information because you will remember these stories, long after you’ve forgotten what your MBA textbook said.
I haven’t read this book but from your description I like it already. One of the hardest, and therefore least often practiced, skill is looking at our decsions objectively.
Hopefully leaders will practice this and save us all the trouble of telling them they’re on the wrong track.
I can’t believe how often I hear that “leaders confront the brutal facts” yet how few leaders know how to do so.
Great post! I was just reading a recent post by a local author and leader in the customer service arena and it too touches base on how leaders need to make sure to all keep in check with themselves and within their organization. Ted Coine also goes into how the book by Jim Collins is a great reference for this. If you have a minute, check it out. I think you’ll enjoy the read as much as I did.
http://savvycapitalist.blogspot.com/2010/05/two-steps-back-to-leap-ahead.html
Regards,
Geoff
Thanks for the link. I’m checking it out now.