GOOD TO GREAT FOR THE TRANSGENDER PERSON

I just finished a great book and I thought there were many lessons that can benefit so many. 

Finding Strength in Transformation: Lessons from *Good to Great* by Jim Collins  

Transformation—whether it’s in the world of business or the deeply personal journey of transitioning as a transgender individual—is never an easy road. It’s a process marked by introspection, courage, resilience, and persistence in the face of internal and external challenges. 

As I reflect on Jim Collins’ *Good to Great*, I find striking parallels between the lessons it offers and the journey of transgender individuals as they navigate the complexities of self-discovery, identity, and societal expectations. Collins’ book explores how companies make the leap from being merely “good” to achieving sustained greatness. While his principles are framed in the context of business, they resonate deeply with anyone going through a profound transformation. 

Here’s how some of these principles can relate to the transgender experience: 

 1. The Hedgehog Concept: Knowing Your Core 

Truth In *Good to Great*, Collins talks about the “Hedgehog Concept,” which emphasizes the importance of understanding what you’re deeply passionate about, what drives your success, and what aligns with your strengths. 

For transgender individuals, this mirrors the process of recognizing and embracing your authentic self. Coming to terms with your identity is a journey that requires peeling back layers of social conditioning, fear, and doubt to find the core truth of who you are. It’s about understanding what makes you *you* and unapologetically living that truth, no matter how challenging it may be. 

 2. Confronting the Brutal Facts 

Collins emphasizes the need to confront the harsh realities of your situation while maintaining faith in your ability to prevail. For transgender people, this can mean acknowledging the immense physical, emotional, and societal hurdles that come with the transformation process. From grappling with internal conflicts to navigating external judgment and discrimination, the reality of transitioning often feels overwhelming. 

But like Collins’ “Stockdale Paradox,” the key is to balance that honest acknowledgment with unwavering faith in your ability to emerge stronger, truer, and more complete on the other side.

 3. Level 5 Leadership: Humility and Determination 

Collins describes Level 5 Leaders as individuals with a rare combination of humility and ferocious willpower. Similarly, the transgender journey demands both. It requires the humility to accept help, learn, and grow, and the determination to push through societal stigma, medical challenges, and emotional hardships. Leadership in this context isn’t about leading others; it’s about leading yourself through one of life’s most demanding journeys. It’s about choosing, every day, to show up for yourself and embrace the process of becoming. 

 4. Building a Culture of Discipline 

The transition process involves more than a personal commitment—it demands discipline, planning, and a support system. Whether it’s navigating hormone replacement therapy, surgeries, or mental health challenges, every step requires meticulous preparation and perseverance.  

Collins emphasizes the importance of disciplined action in achieving greatness, and that couldn’t be truer for transgender individuals. Building a “culture of discipline” within yourself—setting goals, staying consistent, and seeking support—can help you stay focused and resilient. 

 5. The Flywheel Effect: Small Steps Lead to Big Change 

One of the most powerful concepts in *Good to Great* is the Flywheel Effect: the idea that meaningful transformation is not the result of one big moment but a series of small, consistent steps that build momentum over time. 

For transgender individuals, every step—whether it’s coming out, starting therapy, beginning hormone treatment, or even simply affirming your identity—is part of a larger process. 

These small wins, though they may feel insignificant in the moment, contribute to a profound and lasting transformation. The Challenges Within and Beyond One of the hardest parts of transitioning, much like driving change in a business, is managing the forces at play both internally and externally. 

On the inside, there are fears, doubts, and the daunting question of, *Will I ever be enough?* On the outside, there’s the weight of societal judgment, prejudice, and sometimes even rejection from loved ones. Collins’ metaphor of “getting the right people on the bus” is a reminder of the importance of surrounding yourself with those who believe in you and support your journey. 

For transgender individuals, this means finding allies, therapists, friends, and communities that affirm and uplift you through every stage. 

From Good to Great—A Personal Transformation 

The journey from “good to great” is not just about success; it’s about authenticity. It’s about pushing through resistance and breaking free from the constraints of what the world expects you to be. 

For transgender individuals, it’s about moving from surviving to thriving—from simply existing to fully living as your authentic self. If there’s one takeaway from *Good to Great* that resonates most deeply with me, it’s this: greatness isn’t about perfection. It’s about resilience. It’s about the courage to evolve, the strength to overcome challenges, and the determination to keep moving forward, no matter how hard the road gets. 

To anyone in the transgender community navigating this transformation: you are your own leader. Your journey is your masterpiece. And just like the companies Collins studied, your greatness is not determined by where you started but by the direction you choose and the steps you take each day. 

Let’s celebrate the courage it takes to go from “good” to “great,” in all its forms. 

Because whether it’s in business or in life, transformation is the ultimate act of hope. — What’s a step you’ve taken recently toward your own “greatness”? 

I’d love to hear your thoughts or reflections below. Let’s start a conversation about resilience, transformation, and the power of becoming. 

 Dr. Gwen Patrone