In their book "Good to Great," Jim Collins and Jerry Porras talk about "the tyranny of the 'or', the genius of the 'and,'" and found that companies that make the leap from good to great refuse to believe that they can't have it all.
Low prices and high quality
Fast and cheap
Quality and quantity
Excellence and cost effective
This profound, easy to understand theme, has unlimited application in life and business. And, because its' meaning is so logical, easy to pick up on and . . . so noble sounding, some have taken this idea out of context. Great companies find a way to have both. Conversely, people in leadership positions that only stumble across this great phrase - with no understanding of the foundation of the principle – simply start demanding the and; they seem to be thinking, if the way you become great is do it all – I want it all, and, tell me all your great ideas and I will demand they be done. Massive difference between "find a way," and "demand."
One must actually read Collin's & Porras's entire book to understand how these companies successfully employ ""the tyranny of the 'or', the genius of the 'and'." These special companies - the Great ones - have unique leaders who approach their people and business in a much different way than the ones that never made the leap.
The word genius in "the genius of the 'and'" implies a brilliance in the approach. To some, it is nearly impossible to understand and the reason why many do not successfully apply it.
In reality, it is only a determined individual or group of people, approaching a problem with unwavering determination, as well as an attitude of cooperation and modesty, prepared to accomplish their desire regardless of ego, precedence or culture. In other words, it has more to do with the people applying the principle, than the principle itself.
You don't have to be a genius, either.
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