Small Giants Summary, PDF, EPUD, Audio

Bo Burlingham, author of Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big, is a celebrated authority on entrepreneurship and purpose-driven business leadership.

A longtime editor-at-large for Inc. magazine, Burlingham combines decades of firsthand experience profiling innovative companies with a passion for redefining success beyond mere scale. His work focuses on businesses that prioritize impact, culture, and legacy over rapid growth—themes central to Small Giants, which was a 2006 Financial Times/Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year finalist.

Burlingham’s other influential works include Finish Big, a guide to successful business exits, and The Great Game of Business (co-authored with Jack Stack), a groundbreaking exploration of open-book management that has sold over 300,000 copies and is widely taught in MBA programs.

A sought-after speaker and former board member of The Body Shop US, Burlingham’s insights have shaped generations of entrepreneurs through his Inc. column “Street Smarts,” a National Magazine Award finalist. Small Giants remains a cornerstone text for leaders committed to building enduring, values-centered organizations.

What is Small Giants by Bo Burlingham about?

Small Giants explores companies that prioritize excellence, community impact, and employee fulfillment over rapid growth. By studying 14 privately owned businesses, Bo Burlingham reveals how these "small giants" thrive by focusing on meaningful relationships, cultural integrity, and long-term sustainability rather than scaling endlessly.

Who should read Small Giants?

Entrepreneurs, business leaders, and MBA students seeking alternatives to conventional growth-driven models will find value in this book. It’s also relevant for professionals interested in organizational culture, community engagement, and sustainable business practices.

Is Small Giants worth reading?

Yes, Small Giants offers a fresh perspective on redefining success in business. Its real-world examples, actionable insights on maintaining company culture, and emphasis on ethical decision-making make it a standout read for those prioritizing purpose over profit.

How does Small Giants define a "small giant"?

A "small giant" is a company that intentionally remains small and private while excelling in quality, employee satisfaction, and community impact. Key traits include rejecting growth-at-all-costs, fostering deep customer relationships, and aligning decisions with core values.

How do small giants build a culture of intimacy?

These companies prioritize open communication, empower employees in decision-making, and nurture personal connections between leadership and staff. Trust and shared accountability are central, ensuring cultural cohesion even as external pressures mount.

What role does community play in a small giant’s success?

Small giants actively engage with local communities, supporting causes and reflecting regional values. This mutual investment strengthens their reputation, drives customer loyalty, and creates a virtuous cycle of economic and social benefits.

What are the key lessons from Small Giants?

Focus trumps growth: Discipline in maintaining core mission yields long-term returns.
Adaptability matters: Business models must evolve with market changes without compromising culture.
Leadership continuity: Succession planning is critical to preserving company "mojo".

What are common criticisms of Small Giants?

Some argue the book’s examples are niche and lack scalability insights. Critics note that staying small may limit market influence, and the subjective definition of "human scale" complicates broader application.

What iconic quotes appear in Small Giants?

“You can’t measure a company’s value by size or profit”: Emphasizes relational metrics over financial ones.
“Great customer service means showing you care personally”: Highlights the importance of authentic client relationships.

How do small giants handle leadership transitions?

Successful transitions require clear vision articulation and ingrained cultural practices. Examples in the book show how new leaders preserve founder legacies while adapting to modern challenges.

How do small giants adapt to competitive markets?

They balance steadfast values with pragmatic adjustments to business models, ensuring relevance without diluting their mission. This agility helps them thrive amid industry shifts.

How does Small Giants compare to other business books?

Unlike growth-centric guides like Good to Great, Small Giants champions staying small as a strategic choice. It complements titles like Built to Last by focusing on purpose-driven, human-scaled organizations.