The Arc of Ambition

What drives some indivduals to accomplish spectacular achievements, to fulfill aspirations beyond anyone's wildest expectations and make a lasting impression upon the people and institutions around them? For internationally renowned management experts and authors Jim Champy and Nitin Nohria, the key ingredient is ambition, that magical quality that transforms a simple idea into a global business, builds cathedrals and topples empires, or turns a family of immigrants into a family dynasty.

In The Arch of Ambition, Champy and Nohria explore the fascinating dimensions of ambition through the stories of dozens of achievers, past and present, who exemplify both its positive and negative qualities. From Alfred Sloan's vision for General Motors that changed management practice forever, to Michael Dell's boyhood dream to have a building with a flag out front, to Guiseppe Garibaldi's quest for a united Italy, ambition comes in many guises. By turning their lens to include both heroic figures of the past and today's most dynamic achievers in the worlds of business, politics, science, and the arts, Champy and Nohria outline the underlying principles of ambition and how it can be channeled toward creative and enriching endeavors at the personal, organizational, and even national levels.

The authors go on to trace the stages of the leadership life cycle, as ambitious individuals learn to translate their bold visions into workable plans, inspire with a greater purpose than personal gain, balance conflicting values and agendas, and, ultimately, recognize when it's time to hand over the reins. During each of these phases, individuals will confront "defining moments", those critical turning points that will help determine how the leadership journey unfolds.

At a time when the pressures on leaders have never been greater, The Arc of Ambition is at once an inspirational and practical guide for anyone who aspires to fulfill their potential and leave a legacy of accomplishment.

1. Without ambition, no conquests are made, no lands discovered, no business created.
   Ambition is the root of all achievement.
2. Talent hits a target no one else can hit; genius hits a target no one else can see.
   See what others don't.
3. It takes a strong character and a lot of willpower to hold onto a dream under adverse circumstances.
   Follow a steadfast path.
4. Opportunity knocks with all the temerity of a brown trout hiding in an overfished stream.
   Seize the moment.
5. History is a long list of warnings about the folly of overreaching.
   Temper ambition.
6. Greatness must be driven by a purpose beyond money.
   Inspire with a greater purpose.
7. Compromise is bad for ambition.
   Never violate values.
8. Power comes from other people.
   Keep control by giving it up.
9. Reinvention is the key to longevity.
   Change or die.
10. The dead can't lead the living.
    Leave gracefully.

Thoughtprovoking book about why you succeed.