How the Mighty Fall: A Primer on the Warning Signs

Jim Collins:

In Autumn 2004, I received a phone call from Frances Hesselbein, founding president of the Leader to Leader Institute.

"The Conference Board and the Leader to Leader Institute would like you to come to West Point to lead a discussion with some great students," she said.

"And who are the students?" I asked, envisioning perhaps a group of cadets.

"Twelve U.S. Army generals, 12 CEOs, and 12 social sector leaders," explained Hesselbein. "They'll be sitting in groups of six, two from each sector--military, business, social--and they'll really want to dialogue about the topic."

"And what's the topic?"

"Oh, it's a good one. I think you'll really like it." She paused. "America."

America? What could I possibly teach this esteemed group about America? Then I remembered what one of my mentors, Bill Lazier, told me about effective teaching: Don't try to come up with the right answers; focus on coming up with good questions.