Insights

Before You Set Your 2026 Strategy, Read This

19.11.25

Author: James Thomlinson

19.11.25

I recommended what I called “the GOAT of business books” to a client last week – and I stand by it. If you haven’t read Good to Great by Jim Collins, it’s well worth it, particularly as you shape your 2026 plans. It was first recommended to me by an old boss, and the principles have stuck with me ever since.

A few highlights worth keeping front of mind:

👍 Good is the enemy of great
“Good enough” is often the biggest blocker to real progress. Greatness comes from discipline, focus, and the willingness to challenge what’s merely fine.

👍 First who, then what
Get the right people on the bus before you decide where it’s going. Talent and character shape culture – and great culture shapes performance.

👍 The Hedgehog Concept
Find the intersection of what you can be the best at, what drives your economic engine, and what you care deeply about. Simplicity wins.

👍 The Flywheel vs the Doom Loop
Quick fixes create chaos. Consistent effort, aligned teams, and steady momentum build the kind of compounding force that changes everything.

👍 Technology accelerators
Tech doesn’t turn an average company into a great one – it amplifies what’s already there. With AI in the spotlight, that message feels more relevant than ever.

What sets Collins’ work apart is the data. Years of research show how leadership behaviour correlates with long-term performance – something too many agencies overlook when chasing short-term wins.

There are a lot of good agencies out there. The great ones are in a different league entirely.

If you’re shaping your 2026 plans and want a sharper, more growth-minded approach for the year ahead, give this a read. And if you want help applying it – you know where we are: Sprint Partners Consultancy.

Related content:

Download the Half Time Review. See what’s driving the top-performing agencies.