“Good to Great”

Jim Collins is a student and teacher of enduring great companies — how they grow, how they attain superior performance, and how good companies can become great companies.  Jim authored a book, “Good to Great” which is one of my favorites.  He shares in the book 7 characteristics of companies that have gone from Good to Great.

I have just experienced how one of our church partners, FBC of Madison, MS took their golf tournament from Good to Great and saw how they implemented the first 2 key characteristics that JC covered in his book.  This is what I observed.

#1 Level 5 Leadership: Leaders who are humble, but driven to do what’s best for the company.

Stacey Smith, the Minister of Recreation is the example of a humble leader.  Stacey was quick to give God all of the honor and glory for the success of the In His Grip Invitational as they had 80 golfers enjoy strolling the fairways of Caroline Lake Golf Club.  In previous years, FBC golf outings typically had 30-40 participants.

Stacey is driven to excellence and is a guy that’s not afraid to raise the bar in everything that he is involved in.  He shared with me at dinner that anything he is a part of must be done with the utmost of quality.  I love that about him!

#2 First Who, Then What: Get the right people on the bus, then figure out where to go. Finding the right people and trying them out in different positions.

Stacey built a leadership dream team of guys that took ownership of the IHG Invitational.  I remember meeting Greg and Bennett a few months ago and knew that the right guys were on the bus.  Roy was later added to the team and after meeting him I quickly found out what a good call that decision was.

The leadership team was surrounded by a dozen volunteers that rallied around the passion and purpose of Stacey and his team.  It was wonderful to observe and there is great potential for the guys to build their event to well over 100 guys in years to come…if not next year.

It is a privilege to partner with FBC Madison, MS and serve with Stacey Smith and his dream team as they exemplify going from Good to Great.  Well Done!

I look forward to seeing you on the course,

Scott