Collins suggests that a firm cannot be great without Level 5 leaders. If you have them, keep them. If you don't have them, find them (they are often already within your own company or system).

A culture of excellence won't happen overnight. Toyota Motor Company is world renown for The Toyota Way, a culture based on continuous improvement and respect for people. Their system is rooted in the very basic approach of challenging everything, all the time. The Toyota Way is being emulated by large and small companies, manufacturers and service businesses, in diverse industries, at home and abroad. Gary Convis, President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Kentucky, describes it this way:

"More important than the actual improvements that individuals contribute, the true value of continuous improvement is in creating an atmosphere of continuous learning and an environment that not only accepts but actually embraces change. Such an environment

can only be created where there is respect for people."

Is there a home for this culture in our public school education system? If so, a culture of excellence in public education will not happen overnight. It will be a journey that will require everyone to embrace change and relentlessly pursue innovation and the constant refinement of ideas. It will require a mindset of being problem solvers rather than problem creators. It will mean being focused on doing the right things and being religious about not doing the wrong things.

A culture of excellence in public education would make demands on many constituents. Students would be expected to do their homework and come to class prepared to learn. School faculty must be passionate about teaching every minute of every day. Principals must lead by example. They must inspire everyone involved in the education of the children in their care. Parents must be willing and active participants in the education of their