Business Quote by James C. Collins
““The fact that something is a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” is irrelevant, unless it fits within the three circles. A great company will have many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities””
About This Quote
Source Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins, 2001
Opportunities are only valuable if they align with core strategic priorities.
In simple terms: Only fit opportunities matter.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize opportunities that match your core goals.
Themes
strategy
opportunity
focus
alignment
Mood
analytical
practical
Type
business
strategic
When to use this quote
- business planning
- career decisions
- investment choices
- project selection
Key Concepts
the three circles framework
strategic fit
Questions to Reflect On
- Do your big chances fit your core mission?
- How do you assess strategic fit?
A Different Perspective
Not all rare chances are beneficial if they misalign with goals.
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)