Go Long: Why Long-Term Thinking Is Your Best Short-Term Strategy

By Dennis Cary, Michael Useem, Brian Dumain and Rodney Zemmel

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi 

Have you ever wondered why some companies live forever and others fail? In this book, the authors explain why there are less publicly listed companies than ever before and why the lifespan of existing companies are getting shorter every day. Their findings clearly suggest that organisations run by short-term thinkers who are pressured to achieve short-term results are the ultimate cause and an increasing concern.

In Part One the authors present six case studies from companies of the likes of Unilever, Hewlett Packard and Ford highlighting how the CEO’s successfully navigated short-termism in favour of long-term results. The findings are that going long works and thinking long is what will take companies to the next level. I believe these same findings can assist us all on the individual level, too. I feel the learnings shared by the authors and these companies can directly benefit the quality of our life.

A few highlights that stood out for me were that these companies aimed to develop a purpose that was greater than profits. They sought the buy-in from the employees and investors. They all have very much a people focus, developing honesty, respect and ownership. Innovation was also a key priority with a desire to continually improve as was the critical importance of company culture.

The pick for me after speaking with Michael Useem in an interview and reading this book was the need to develop, inspire and lead with true purpose.

“Real” purpose is sustainable and that is because it provides a “real” value. Short-termism is focused on immediate value. In business and in life, immediate value often lacks intent and provides no greater benefit to future goals.

This doesn’t mean that the executing short-term strategies and taking action isn’t necessary. All the small things we do in life allow our biggest dreams to be realised. Our day to day activities is how we measure that we are on track in reaching the life we desire or the dreams we have for the company we operate.

What this means is that we need to have long-term vision and dreams that serve a purpose. You may ask yourself why this is important? How does it align with what I truly value? Great questions to ask in regards to anything you pursue in life. And, if your dreams and vision involve others, you need to lead and inspire them. Get buy-in! From there find ways to continually evolve and improve.

Nothing remains and everything changes. For our dreams to stay alive and our ability to accomplish them we need to continually innovate. This is what successful companies do and this is what I think we can all do.

If you own a business or currently in a managerial position, you’ll benefit from the great insights shared by these outstanding businesses and the clever formation of thoughts by the authors. If you seek to enhance your life there is no doubt in my mind that the research here can be directly applied to what we all wish to accomplish moving forward.

If this book sounds of interest you can purchase Go Long: Why Long-Term Thinking Is Your Best Short-Term Strategy here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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