The Four Colors of Business Growth

As the John E. Simon Professor of Finance and Senior Associate Dean of Programs at the Olin School of Business, Washington University, St. Louis, Anjan Thakor works in both academia and the business world. Prior to joining the Olin School, he was Edward J. Frey Professor of Banking and Finance at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, where he also served as chairman of the Finance area. He has worked with many companies, including Whirlpool Corporation, Allision Engine Co., Citigroup, RR Donnelley, Dana Corporation, Anheuser-Busch, Zenith Corporation, Lincoln National Corporation, and J.P. Morgan.

• Growth is EverywhereGrowth Comes in Four ColorsThe Competing Values Framework (CVF) for GrowthHow Do You Know What Color Your Growth Strategy Should Be?Organizational Alignment for Growth: the Power of the Competing Values Framework in Aligning the Organization through a Common LanguageIdeas for Yellow Growth StrategiesIdeas for Red Growth StrategiesIdeas for Blue Growth StrategiesIdeas for Green Growth StrategiesWrapping Up

"For a global, multi-cultural company to succeed, it needs a common language. The Competing Values Framework provides it and has been an essential tool for gaining alignment around strategies and organizational priorities within Bunge's senior leadership team." --Aberto Weisser, CEO Bunge Limited"Not since Jim Collin’s 'Good to Great' have I been so stirred to thought and action as I am by the practical application of the Competing Values framework. Stimulating healthy growth is the lifeblood of all enterprises. Combining the behavioral realities of the company’s talent and the rational realities of an individual’s gifts strikes at the heart of good leadership. Harnessing the potential of an organization by recognizing and nurturing the ability to reach across disciplines and personalities to create teamwork that can focus its resources on the best growth opportunities. A book worth sharing with your leadership team across all disciplines." --Ron Fromm, Chairman and CEO, Brown Shoe Company, Inc.