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Sacred Cows Make the Best Burgers
by Robert Kriegel and David Brandt
Published: 1997
Recommended by Jeff Shuey
Categories: leadership
Why should you read it?
My favorite line from this book is "Don't Pave the Cow Paths" which as an engineer and someone that has focused on channels and partners for in the tech industry for the past 25+ years it resonates very nicely. If you haven't heard that phrase … think about it. How often have you heard "but that's the way we've always done it" … that's a cop-out and one that stifles innovation and creativity.
What is the book about?
When growing a business, it's essential to challenge assumptions and rethink the status quo. Everything may seem perfect today—but is it really? By questioning every aspect and exploring alternative approaches, you uncover what truly works. This mindset, often called "First Principles" thinking, breaks problems down to their most basic elements. Robert Kriegel captured this idea well with his advice: "Don't pave the cowpaths." In other words, don't simply modernize outdated models; doing so only accelerates mediocrity. Without reevaluating existing processes, a business risks moving faster—but straight toward obsolescence.
Best takeaway
"Don't pave the cowpaths".
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