Top 10 Characteristics of Great Companies

By Raj Singh

Research has shown that great companies have certain similar traits, characteristics and attributes. Following is a look at the 10 characteristics that define "great companies."

1) Great Companies are innovative.

Great companies are always thinking of new, improved ways of doing things. They innovate and delight customers, whether a B2B or a B2C enterprise.

2) Great Companies flourish throughout time.

Great companies are sustainable. They don’t fold in the middle of the night, because they are independent, not dependent solely on others. You won’t see them putting their faith and hope in one source of inputs.

3) Great Companies live a legacy.

Great companies truly are profitable. At the same time, they also get their suppliers and partners to be profitable and sustainable. It makes sense that the people who support these companies, too, should not fold.

4) Great Companies are full of originality.

Take a look at Google Translate and other Google tools that have been developed. Google’s employees generate great ideas. Great companies don’t need to look outside the company for ideas. Their people are motivated and inspired to do things for the company. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Great companies lead the pack, and others follow. (Some even blatantly copy them.)

5) Great Companies build up their brands.

Great companies have great brands. Great brands infect and affect users and customers. People believe in the products so much that a cult-like following often is created. These customers, in turn, help sell more of the brand and the company.

6) Great Companies have extraordinary leadership.

Great companies are led by inspiring leaders and entrepreneurs. True leaders make long-term decisions and don’t just live for today.

7) Great Companies are not limited by boundaries or beliefs.

The world is our oyster. Great companies believe there are no limits to potential customers and have a global mindset. Every person is a potential customer.

8 ) Great Companies look onward.

Great companies have views and are not just in it for money. They want to change the world, or the world we live in. Their belief and convictions are so strong that nothing will stop them or get in their way.

9) Great Companies is systematic.

Great companies believe that systems must be in place, so that everyone is replaceable. No one is indispensable, including the boss. Everyone and anyone within the company can deliver the results and has an impact on those results.

10) Great Companies walk the talk.

Great companies don’t just say things; they believe them and live by them. Slogans like "the customer is first" are true priorities and reflections.

Does your company have a vision to be great?

This article first appeared at http://www.safetyatwork.com.sg.