Execution: Getting Results

Old Oldie but Goodie by Larry Bossidy & Ram Charan Practicing a bit of speed reading (recently inspired by Tim Ferriss and his 4-hour Workweek), I blasted through the first 150 pages of Execution — The discipline of getting things done, in an hour. Plus, managed to capture a lot more nuggets than usual in the process. How? Both the speed reading and the content helped make it possible. This is a well written book full of great case studies... well, maybe not true (thorough) studies, but great insights into other organizations. Like GE and Xerox to name just two. Plus I had to love the dialog injected at various points by the authors. Speaking of content, consider this passage:

"Throughout the process [mentioned previously in the book], asking questions constantly keeps the critical issues in mind..." —Page 221 of Execution

How often does your boss quiz you? I thought so... Or this passage, "Execution is a systemic process..." Look, the most brilliantly devised business plans are worthless (if not dangerous) without the ability to Execute. Yes, Strategy is important. Tactics too. But without Execution, you may as well stay on the porch. Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey UPDATE: Quick comment on Execution by SKI via MP3 or on iTunes (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.