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Category: Book review

  • “Progressive Insurance” – a first of its kind

    Progressive Insurance under the able 10X leadership of Peter Lewis became the first publicly held company to report underwriting results monthly.This was way back in 2001.

    This was not only against conventional wisdom , it was a step that went a long way in making “Progressive’s” reporting processes much more transparent to Wall Street investors.

    Please find below the link(source progressive.com)highlighting “Progressive Insurance’s” journey.

    https://www.progressive.com/about/history/

    Adopted from Jim Collin’s book titled “Great by Choice”

  • “Empiricism” over “Analysis” or vice versa?

    10X leaders are characterized by unique traits that enable them to stand tall when the chips are down.

    Following conventional wisdom when the tide is rough is not something that can help someone stand out of the rest of the pack.

    Hence 10X leaders be it Andy Grove of Intel or Ronald Amundsen who conquered South Pole , favor empiricism as the foundation for decisive actions.

    Had analysis based on conventional wisdom always worked , 10X leaders would not have stood out

    Adopted from Jim Collin’s book titled “Great By Choice”

  • “Avoiding conventional wisdom” during uncertain times

    Social psychology research dictates that during times of uncertainty we should look up to experts as to how to proceed in the best possible manner.

    The pattern of all 10X leaders be it Peter Lewis of Progressive Insurance , Herb Kelleher of SWA , suggests that during uncertain times they did not do what the pundits said.

    They primarily looked up to empirical evidence and faced the problems head on.

    This is what makes them different.

    Adopted from Jim Collin’s book titled “Great By Choice”

  • What goes into FANATIC DISCIPLINE ?

    Fanatic discipline is one of the 4 facets manifested by 10X high performing leaders as mentioned by Jim Collins in his book “Great by Choice”

    Discipline in essence means consistency in action , with respect to:

    1) Consistency with values

    2) Consistency with long term goals

    3) Consistency with perfomance standards

    4) Consistency of method

    5) Consistency over time

    Adopted from Jim Collin’s book “Great By Choice”

  • What does 10X leadership entail?

    10X leadership a term coined by Jim Collins in his book titled “Great By Choice” is a term used to understand how some leaders are able to give their organizations 10 times more growth than others , given the same environmental conditions.

    The four defining qualities of such leaders are:

    1)Fanatic Discipline – These keeps the companies on track

    2) Empirical Creativity – This keeps the culture vibrant

    3) Productive Paranoia – These keep the companies alive and kicking

    4) Ambition – This gives the much needed sense of intrinsic motivation

    Watch out this space for more..

  • Leadership lessons of the day

    “If every member of a team doesn’t grow together they will grow apart.” – Simon Sinek

    Adopted from Simon Sinek’s book titled “Find Your Why”

  • Are you living your WHY?

    Simon Sinek pioneered the concept of WHY as one which gives us purpose and meaning in our lives.We should each strive towards finding out our real purpose or “WHY” in our lives for a fulfilling life.

    When we say and do the things what we truly believe our behavior is regarded as consistent.This is when people start believing in us and are loyal to us.This is true integrity that we exhibit.

    This is when we are truly living our WHY.

    Adopted from Simon Sinek’s book titled “Find Your Why”

  • Logic vs Emotion – Best Quote

    The “Rational” human brain has great power of analysis and problem solving.It is that part of the brain that understands logic and complex analysis.

    On the other hand the “Limbic” or emotional brain can understand only cues and signals and has no power of analysis.

    The best quote that I have come across to highlight the difference very aptly , is the one from Simon Sinek in the book “Together is Better”.

    “The mind can be convinced but the heart must be won.” – Simon Sinek

  • Finding your “vision”

    We are used to the term “Have a vision” wherein being fascinated by visionaries like Steve Jobs , Martin Luther King we try to have a similar vision of ourselves.

    Not only is this stressful but at the same time does not make our lives meaningless if we don’t have one.

    To make our lives meaningful we can follow the vision of great leaders and organizations and be part of them to advance their just cause.The end result would be fulfillment.

    Hence “Find a Vision” is indeed a feasible options for those who are obsessed in being part of infinite minded organizations in the age of “Infinite game”.

    Adopted from Simon Sinek’s book titled “Together is Better”.

  • How to identify “Infinite minded” organizations?

    The three chief characteristics of organizations with an infinite mindset are as follows:

    1. The founders as well as the employees at each level are obsessed with advancing the Just Cause , the organization stands for.
    2. Since they are obsessed with their vision they are working to outpace themselves rather than the competition.
    3. The members form part of “Trusting Teams” engrossed in fighting together as a group to advance the vision.

    Needlessly to say , as a result of the same we do not associate micromanagement and internal politics in such visionary organizations.

    Adopted from Simon Sinek’s book “The Infinite Game”