This is an excellent book for all CXOs and Corporate Executives to be forewarned about the symptoms and advance warning signs of potential failure. Having experienced slow decline from close quarters, I must admit the stages of decline described by Jim is astonishingly true without any doubt. The recent collapse of many companies has provided enough data points for Jim to fine-tune the analysis. It’s heartening to note case studied of companies which have come out second last stage of death and become great again. The advance warnings are like the AWACS and help executives strategize and plan for corrective steps, before it’s too late. There is a big message for the CEO – not to kill the whistleblower, and continue to challenge subordinates more so if all presentations provide a very rosy picture. I would not only recommend this book, but urge readers to apply the logic on the information and signs captured in the corporate life and find out for yourself at what stage of decline if any is your division, your business unit or the company itself. ( )

Hideously bad. "Post hoc ergo propter hoc" retrospective uncontrolled selection-biased reviews of why companies fail, based on exhaustive "studies" from author's "research lab" ( )

Collins has gone from good to great with this book. While the "scientific method" used to select the companies analyzed seems more out of convenience , the principles and disciplines necessary to prevent a downfall are practical and inspiring. ( )