Main Idea
Does your company have a mascot? If it did, what would be chosen to symbolize your organization? What are some characteristics of your business that could be represented by an animal? Why do you suppose our firm chose a hedgehog to join our team and be a symbol of our business?
Expansion of Idea
Jim Collins, Author of Good to Great, has popularized a principle called “The Hedgehog Concept”. This concept explains how companies, who were good solid companies, transformed themselves to great companies. All of the companies that he researched established this strategy which clearly identified three areas. Those areas are what they can be the best in the world at, what they are passionate about, and what drives their economic engine. Jim Collins based his concept on the ideas of Sir Isaiah Berlin who wrote an essay titled, “The Hedgehog and the Fox”, which tells a story of a cunning fox, who day in and day out stalks the hedgehog just waiting for the right time to pounce. He attempts many different strategies, but no matter what he tries, the simple hedgehog has only one defense to protect himself. He curls up into a ball and points his spikes in all directions, at which time the fox realizes he cannot win. Berlin based his essay on the ancient Greek parable, “The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.” Princeton professor Marvin Bressler pointed out the power of the hedgehog when he said, “You want to know what separates those who make the biggest impact from all the others who are just as smart? They’re hedgehogs.”
You may have seen changes in FitzGerald & FitzGerald over the past five years. We are getting closer and closer to our hedgehog concept. (I hope.) The key point is that as you get closer to that point, you will be providing better and better service and you should be running a significantly improved business. We are not chasing every piece of business. We are focused on the customers that we can really help.
Suggested Areas to Start
Email Heather to see a picture of Harrison the hedgehog. Or, stop by to see him in person.
Read the book “Good to Great” (I know I have recommended this before.)
Schedule a planning retreat to discover your hedgehog concept.
Analyze your business with your team to determine what your true strengths are, what you are passionate about and where you are making money.