---
title: "Where to begin"
description: "Collins' suggested sequence for using the book."
canonical: https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/good-to-great/where-to-begin/
updated: 2026-11-03
---

# Where to begin

> Collins' suggested sequence for using the book.

Jim Collins's framework, from Good to Great, pp. 222 to 230.

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

## The steps

1. **Learn all the findings.** No single finding makes a great organisation.
2. **Work sequentially through the framework.** Start with first who and move through every component.
3. **Work on Level 5.** Keep developing your own leadership throughout.

## Where it comes from

From chapter: Epilogue - Frequently Asked Questions, pp. 222–230

The epilogue answers common questions. Eleven companies made the cut because the standard was tough, and the probability of finding them by chance is less than 1 in 17 million. Collins covers why only public US firms, why no tech firms, how the board should pick Level 5 leaders, how Cisco shows a young tech firm can have one, how to apply first who when talent is short or the wrong people are hard to remove, and where to begin: work sequentially from first who and keep working on Level 5.

## The animation

24 seconds, 4:5, no sound.

- MP4: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/good-to-great/where-to-begin.mp4
- MP4, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/good-to-great/where-to-begin-dark.mp4
- Still: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/good-to-great/where-to-begin.png
- Still, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/good-to-great/where-to-begin-dark.png