In Built to Last, alignment refers to the smooth coordination of all facets within a company, encompassing policies, procedures, building space, accounting, etc. Every aspect of a company functions cohesively in accordance with its core ideology and envisioned progress to attain alignment. Implementing processes and mechanisms to sustain alignment plays a crucial role in establishing enduring companies.

Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs) serve as compelling, long-term objectives designed to captivate and mobilize employees within an organization. BHAGs should be risky to invigorate employees, urging them to execute a comprehensive, long-range plan that demands prolonged commitment. These goals fall into four main types: role model, where the objective is to achieve a success level akin to a respected company, often in a different industry; common enemy, aiming to surpass a competitor; targets, focusing on meeting specific qualitative or quantitative benchmarks; and internal transformation, concentrating on reshaping the company itself.

Collins and Porras employ the metaphor of clock building versus time telling to delineate distinct leadership approaches. Leaders characterized as time tellers are typically charismatic and visionary, shaping companies around themselves and their ideas. Although these leaders may possess genius, their companies often face challenges or even collapse in the absence of the leader.