How the Mighty Fall

proposed

Also known as: Five Stages of Decline

Decline runs through predictable stages, and is often reversible until very late.

Maps five stages of organizational decline — hubris born of success, undisciplined pursuit of more, denial of risk, grasping for salvation, and capitulation — to help leaders detect and reverse the slide early.

Core concepts

Five Stages of DeclineReversibility

Best when

Diagnosing how serious a downturn really is
Deciding whether to fight or fold

Watch-outs

Stages are clearer in hindsight than in the moment