Every general manager today is expected by stakeholders to achieve new breakthroughs in performance—and fast. Those who don't make visible progress toward that goal within the first year or two will likely find themselves looking for another job.

But, despite the intensity of these pressures, a number of leaders turn in truly exceptional results. How do they meet and exceed the breakthrough imperative?

"A must-read for every current or aspiring manager."

To answer this question, consultants and former managers Mark Gottfredson and Steve Schaubert interviewed more than 40 CEOs, conducted an intensive study of what successful managers do right and drew on their own combined 50-plus years of experience at Bain & Company. They came up with four straightforward principles—deceptively simple yet remarkably powerful—to ensure breakthrough results:

1. Costs and prices always decline
2. Competitive position determines options
3. Customers and profit pools don't stand still
4. Simplicity gets results

Mastering these four laws means mastering the basics of great management. Whether leaders are managing a small work group or a multinational corporation, a single division or an entire nonprofit, The Breakthrough Imperative helps them determine where they are, how far they can go and how to get there with stellar results.