Quotes from James C. Collins

The purpose of compensation is not to "motivate" the right behaviors from the wrong people, but to get and keep the right people in the first place.

If you have the right people on the bus, they will be self-motivated. The real question then becomes: How do you manage in such a way as not to de-motivate people? And one of the single most de-motivating actions you can take is to hold out false hopes, soon to be swept away by events.

For, in the end, it is impossible to have a great life unless it is a meaningful life. And it is very difficult to have a meaningful life without meaningful work.

Those fortunate enough to find or create a practical intersection of the three circles have the basis for a great work life.

A dream is a feeling that sticks - and propels.

Just because a company falls doesn't invalidate what we can learn by studying that company when it was at its historical best.

Managing your problems can only make you good, whereas building your opportunities is the only way to become great.

The moment you feel the need to tightly manage someone, you've made a hiring mistake. The best people don't need to be managed. Guided, taught, led-yes. But not tightly managed.

A culture of discipline is not a principle of business, it is a principle of greatness.

That good is the enemy of great is not just a business problem. It is a human problem.

In a world of constant change, the fundamentals are more important than ever.

Good is the enemy of great. That's why so few things become great.

Mediocrity results first and foremost from management failure, not technological failure.

Greatest danger is not failure, but be successful and not know why.

Faith in the endgame helps you live through the months or years of buildup.

Those who build and perpetuate mediocrity...are motivated more by the fear of being left behind.

People need BHAGs - big hairy audacious goals.

I am not failing - I am growing! Do you have the ability to reframe failure as growth in order to achieve your goals?