Reading: Chapter 5: Hedgehog
Concept (the Three Circles)
Assignment - Deadline: Tuesday, September 2
A. Post two paragraphs inspired by one or more of the study guide
questions/thoughts for the week.
B. Post two separate comments to one or more of your
colleagues reacting to their paragraphs.
Questions – Hedgehog Concept (the Three Circles)
- How long, on
average, did it take the good-to-great companies to clarify their hedgehog
concepts? What implications does this have about finding your own hedgehog
concept?
- Are you
engaged in work that fits your own three circles: what you are passionate
about, what you are genetically encoded for, what you can get paid for? Do
you need to change? Which circle is hardest to get right? Why?
- Which is more
important for an organization: the goal to be the best at something, or
realistic understanding of what you can (and cannot) be the best at?
- Can each
sub-unit and each person have a hedgehog concept?
- How is the
hedgehog concept different for a nonprofit organization?
Source: “Jim Collins
– Good to Great: Discussion Guide.” http://www.jimcollins.com/tools/discussion-guide.html
I will address how the Hedgehog Concept is different for a nonprofit organization. However, I first would like to begin by saying this was probably the most disappointing chapter of the book I read thus far. Its 29 pages appeared to be redundant and added little to the investigation of how companies transformed themselves from “Good to Great.”
ReplyDeleteWith that being said, I found the “Three Circles of the Hedgehog Concept” to be only partially relevant to nonprofit organizations. While nonprofits must operate in a fiscally responsible manner, they are not primarily guided by concerns of what drives its economic engine. Instead, nonprofits focus their attention on how to best meet specified objectives that contribute to the public good. Of the three circles within the Hedgehog Concept, I believe being passionate about what one is doing is the most important for those working in nonprofits. Without that drive for this type of work, one can easily become complacent, unimaginative and resistant to change.
The Hedgehog Concept in Chapter 5 seems to more of a gateway concept leading to the next concept (in chapter 6) rather than providing a deeper meaning into "good to Great" companies. Of all the questions above, I felt the "three circles" ideology was the most intriguing to answer.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I think knowing what you're good and not good at is essential to being the best you can be. For example, the cliche' of "you can be anything you want" isn't necessarily true. Not everyone can be what they want, nor, are they really good at what they're really passionate about. If someone is a passionate guitar player but is an exceptionally talented architect, which professional direction makes more sense?
Secondly, "what drives your engine" can be tied into the first circle. Knowing your drive is essential. You need to have enough drive in what you're good at to be successful. It seems that for many people, unless they are passionate in some regard of what they do professionally, they can tend to burn out rather quickly and become complacent.
Third, "what you are deeply passionate about," seems to be more of a "bonus" for most people, at least, professionally, A lot of people say they "like" or "don't mind" what they do professionally. However, being able to really enjoy your work and be passionate about it can be the difference between being "good" and "great" in your career trajectory.
Good comments on this chapter, Mike. I have the most affinity for the comment you made about the fallacy of the notion, "you can be anything you want to be." Every time I hear it I "cringe," because I know this is the road to misery and unfulfilled dreams for most. Instead, we should concentrate on identifying and cultivating our true talents. More times than not, this will lead to a pursuit of things we feel most passionate about. This trajectory will usually culminate in a more satisfying life.
ReplyDeleteTo navigate successfully in and throughout any of these circles requires self-reflection, personally or professionally. Just as life evovles, so do these circles. I strive to be my best, personally and professionally, for where I am in my life at that particular moment. As life changes, as priorities change, certain circles take precedence, pending the required changes of one's life.
ReplyDelete