---
title: "The Hedgehog Concept (three circles)"
description: "A way to find the simple idea that guides every decision."
canonical: https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/good-to-great/the-hedgehog-concept-three-circles/
updated: 2026-11-03
---

# The Hedgehog Concept (three circles)

> A way to find the simple idea that guides every decision.

Jim Collins's framework, from Good to Great, pp. 100 to 130.

Framework 7 of 15 from [Good to Great](https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/good-to-great/index.md) by Jim Collins. Category: Leadership.

## The steps

1. **Best in the world at.** What you can be the best in the world at, and what you cannot.
2. **Economic engine.** What drives your economics, found by choosing one denominator, profit per x.
3. **Passion.** What you are deeply passionate about.
4. **Intersect and simplify.** Translate the overlap into one crystalline concept that frames all decisions.

## Where it comes from

From chapter: Chapter 5 - The Hedgehog Concept - (Simplicity within the Three Circles), pp. 100–130

## The animation

24 seconds, 4:5, no sound.

- MP4: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/good-to-great/the-hedgehog-concept-three-circles.mp4
- MP4, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/good-to-great/the-hedgehog-concept-three-circles-dark.mp4
- Still: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/good-to-great/the-hedgehog-concept-three-circles.png
- Still, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/good-to-great/the-hedgehog-concept-three-circles-dark.png