Good to Great – How to Building an Unstoppable Team

First Who, Then What: The People Priority

Hi Reader,

💡 Today’s Niblit: Jim Collins reveals in “Good to Great” that exceptional companies focus on getting the right people on board before deciding on strategy or vision. This “First Who, Then What” approach is a cornerstone of transforming good companies into great ones.

🔑 Key Insight: Great companies prioritize who is on their team over what the team will do. It’s like assembling an all-star sports team before deciding on the game plan. These companies get the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, and the right people in the right seats—and only then figure out where to drive the bus.

This approach is counterintuitive. Most of us believe that great vision comes first, followed by getting people to implement it. But Collins found that great companies do the opposite. They understand that with the right people, you can adapt to any changes in direction or strategy.

Why does this matter? Because in a rapidly changing world, a great company needs people who can adapt and excel, regardless of the specific challenges that arise. The right people are your most valuable asset in navigating uncertainty and seizing opportunities.

🦉 Nibble of Wisdom: With the right team, the “what” will take care of itself.

🛠️ Practical Tip: When hiring, focus more on character, work ethic, and cultural fit than on specific skills that can be learned.

🚀 Quick Action: Review your team. Identify one “right” person who might be in the wrong role and consider how to better align their position with their strengths.

🔍 Further Exploration:

How might your hiring process change if you prioritized “who” over “what”?
Take a look at how focusing on the “First Who” principle helped this football team go from good to great.
Reflect on how your organization might benefit from a “First Who” approach to major decisions or initiatives.

🎬 Wrapup: Remember, great vision without great people is irrelevant. When you focus first on building an exceptional team, you create the foundation for adaptability, innovation, and sustained success. It’s not just about having a bus full of people—it’s about having a bus full of the right people.

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