If you want to understand what a leadership team can actually do to make sure a company has a shot at being one of those rare breakthrough companies, look no further than the recently published book “The Breakthrough Company” by Keith R. McFarland.

McFarland set out to understand what it takes to turn a successful startup into a real breakthrough company - he does so by using a similar methodology as Collins did in his “must read” book “From Good to Great“. But other than Collins McFarland doesn’t focus on large, publicly traded companies with decades of experience but looks at the 7.000 companies which made Inc. Magazines “Inc. 500″ list since 1982.

I highly suggest reading this book if you want to learn how to bring your company from ‘crazy, everything goes’ startup days into a solid, fast-growing company which develops the potential to break through the barriers you will encounter when your company grows beyond its initial state.

The concepts McFarland discusses include:

• Throwing the Dyno
• Crowning the Company
• Upping the Ante
• Building Company Character
• Navigating the Business Bermuda Triangle
• Erecting Scaffolding
• Enlisting Insultants
• Graduating from Though Times U

In his last chapter ‘Building Breakthrough Capabilities’ McFarland goes on to identify (backed up by his research) three key ways a leader can influence a business:

• 1. Crafting and Adapting Strategy
• 2. Getting the most out of People
• 3. Driving Execution

McFarland makes a point of translating all his concepts into easy-to-use advice for his readers. As said - it’s a highly recommended read for everyone who runs a company or part of a business.

Posted in Entrepreneurship