Collins’ three-stage transformation process
Collins (2001, p.12-14) describes transformation as a process of buildup followed by breakthrough. This process is broken into three stages each containing two concepts. The three stages include disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action. Successful change begins with the right people. Collins (2001, p. 12-13) discusses the importance of having the right leader – someone who knows humility (rather than celebrity) and has a strong professional will. He also underlines how crucial it is to not only have the right team members, but to effectively pair their talents with a project’s needs.
Collins’ (2001, p.13) second stage focuses on disciplined thought. Here, he stresses the importance of facing reality (however harsh) without loosing focus or faith in being able to prevail. The second part of this stage involves being the best at the company’s core business. Simple competency and/or doing something for a long time are not enough.
The third stage of Collins’ (2001, p.13-14) transformation process addresses disciplined action. The first concept of this stage refers to the culture of discipline. Collins explains that disciplined people eliminate the needs for hierarchy, disciplined thought provides no need for bureaucracy, and disciplined actions have no need for excessive control. This culture of discipline can result in outstanding performance. The second concept of this stage underlines the importance of selecting the right technology as a means of support, rather than the primary method of transformation.
Collins, J. (2001). Good To Great: Why Some Companies Make The Leap…And Others Don’t. New York: HarperCollins Publishers
