Managing Discipline

Execution

II

The Discipline of Getting Things Done

by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan

A summary of the original text.

In this issue:

I Focus... on the most important job of any business leader — execution, which is the gap between a company’s goals and its ability to get results. I Improve... your company’s performance by linking the three core processes of execution: people, strategy, and operations. I Develop... the seven essential behaviors that are shared by virtually all effective, execution-driven leaders. I Select... the right people for your business by hiring candidates who have the four key characteristics that identify them as top performers. I Create... a powerful strategy by addressing nine questions that will help you evaluate your most crucial challenges and increase your chances of success. II

Volume 11, No. 8 (2 sections). Section 1, August 2002 © 2002 Audio-Tech Business Book Summaries 11-15. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. To order additional copies of this summary, reference Catalog #8021.

I

n recent years, companies have embraced big business ideas like revolution, reinvention, breakthrough thinking, audacious goals, learning organizations, and the like. While all of these ideas can make a huge impact on any business, they're pointless unless you translate them into concrete steps for action. Without execution, the breakthrough thinking breaks down. Learning adds no value. People don't meet their stretch goals. And the revolution stops dead in its tracks. Execution is the missing link between aspirations and results. Because it must be part of the company's strategy and its goals, it is the most important job of any business leader. In the past, businesses got away with poor execution by pleading for patience. But the business environment is always tough, and success is

no longer measured over years. A company can win or lose serious market share before...