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If it’s not core, change it! Once you are clear about the…

“If it’s not core, change it! Once you are clear about the core ideology, you should feel free to change absolutely anything that is not part of it. From then on, whenever someone says something should not change because “it’s part of our culture” or “we’ve always done it that way” or any such…” quote by James C. Collins
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““If it’s not core, change it! Once you are clear about the core ideology, you should feel free to change absolutely anything that is not part of it. From then on, whenever someone says something should not change because “it’s part of our culture” or “we’ve always done it that way” or any such excuse, mention this simple rule: If it’s not core, it’s up for change. The strong version of the rule is, If it’s not core, change it! Articulating core ideology is just a starting point, however. You also must determine what type of progress you want to stimulate.””

James C. Collins

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Advocates focusing on core principles and discarding everything else to drive meaningful progress.

In simple terms: Change what isn’t essential.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize core values.

Themes

leadership strategy change management

Mood

reflective pragmatic

Type

leadership strategic

When to use this quote

  • business restructuring
  • personal goal setting
  • cultural reform
  • innovation initiatives

Key Concepts

organizational theory core ideology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are your non‑negotiable core values?
  • How do you identify non‑core practices?
A Different Perspective

Changing core elements can destabilize identity if not handled carefully.

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