Companies make headline news all the time for decisions that make many of us scratch our heads in wonder, even those companies that are smart and successful. Here, New York Times bestselling author Neil Smith, with more than 20 years of experience leading large-scale performance improvements, reveals the hidden barriers that cause excellent companies to do dumb things and cause smart people within companies to act in dumb ways. Drawing on his years of experience working with CEOs and helping transform top global businesses, and insights to CEOs around the world, Smith has identified eight barriers that prevent organizations from both achieving and maintaining sustainable success. Rich with anecdotes and case studies, Smith outlines a fast and proven process in which 12 principles of business transformation can break down the barriers holding companies back.

Neil Smith, CEO of Promontory Growth and Innovation (PGI), has for 20 years focused on helping corporations dramatically improve performance and profitability by growing revenues and innovatively reducing costs. Smith has led initiatives with companies including Mellon Bank, Willis, and North American Van Lines. He recently spearheaded the highly visable initiative across Bank of America.Patricia O’Connell, former Management Editor at BloombergBusinessweek.com, brings more than 20 years of writing and editing in a variety of subjects, including business, leadership, and strategy.