---
title: "Buildup and breakthrough (the flywheel)"
description: "How lasting transformation accumulates momentum."
canonical: https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/good-to-great/buildup-and-breakthrough-the-flywheel/
updated: 2026-11-03
---

# Buildup and breakthrough (the flywheel)

> How lasting transformation accumulates momentum.

Jim Collins's framework, from Good to Great, pp. 177 to 198.

Framework 12 of 15 from [Good to Great](https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/good-to-great/index.md) by Jim Collins. Category: Growth and strategy.

## The steps

1. **Push in a consistent direction.** Each turn builds on the work done before.
2. **Show tangible results.** Let people see accomplishments and extrapolate.
3. **Hit breakthrough.** Momentum starts working in your favour and the goal sets itself.
4. **Avoid the doom loop.** Do not stop, change course and relaunch with a new programme.

## Where it comes from

From chapter: Chapter 8 - The Flywheel and The Doom Loop, pp. 177–198

## The animation

24 seconds, 4:5, no sound.

- MP4: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/good-to-great/buildup-and-breakthrough-the-flywheel.mp4
- MP4, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/good-to-great/buildup-and-breakthrough-the-flywheel-dark.mp4
- Still: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/good-to-great/buildup-and-breakthrough-the-flywheel.png
- Still, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/good-to-great/buildup-and-breakthrough-the-flywheel-dark.png