Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't

A book for the ages! Excellent for managers and start-ups 

This book is a fascinating read! A study taken over five years began with twenty-eight corporations and revealed eleven that had made the leap from Good to Great. From this study, I gained an instant understanding of the role of humility in leadership. The primary ambition of great leaders is focused on the success of their company, not on themselves.

Collins advocates the Hedgehog Concept - a combination of discovering what you can be best in the world at (Optimal Thinking), what you are passionate about, and what drives your economic engine.

Study: Some Michigan tax breaks not very effective

LANSING, Mich. – Some of Michigan's targeted business tax incentives aren't effective when compared to possible broader tax-relief alternatives, according to a study released Thursday.

The report from the East Lansing-based Anderson Economic Group was commissioned by the Michigan Education Association, the state's largest teachers union. The MEA says eliminating ineffective tax incentives could free up resources for education and other programs aimed at improving the state's economy.

"Michigan is struggling economically," said Patrick Anderson, CEO of the Anderson Economic Group. "We can only afford to pursue the most effective tax-abatement programs."

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. defended the state's tax-incentive programs Thursday. The economic development agency, which helps coordinate many of the incentive programs, noted Michigan finished third in Site Selection magazine's ranking of states with the most major new corporate facilities and expansions in 2009, trailing only Ohio and Texas.

Citi CEO says bank has transformed since crisis

WASHINGTON – Facing sharp questions from bailout overseers, Citigroup Inc. CEO Vikram Pandit said Thursday the bank is "fundamentally different" than the tangled behemoth that took more than $45 billion in government aid during the recent financial crisis.

"I am pleased to say we are in a far different and much healthier position," Pandit said in testimony before the Congressional Oversight Panel. The independent watchdog group oversees the $700 billion financial bailout.

Pandit said Citi's experience during the crisis showed the need for a clearer process to deal with large, failing financial firms — a key priority of the Obama administration.

Rework

From the founders of the trailblazing software company 37signals, here is a different kind of business book – one that explores a new reality. Today, anyone can be in business. Tools that used to be out of reach are now easily accessible. Technology that cost thousands is now just a few bucks or even free. Stuff that was impossible just a few years ago is now simple. That means anyone can start a business. And you can do it without working miserable 80-hour weeks or depleting your life savings. You can start it on the side while your day job provides all the cash flow you need. Forget about business plans, meetings, office space – you don't need them.