Winning
Thursday, 4th October 2007 by Prof. Michael Lewis
When asked if I wanted to write a book review for the good folks at Real Business I thought I might be asked to read some dynamic new management tome about the latest dead-sure way of winning in business. Imagine my surprise (disappointment!) when Jack Welch’s Winning landed on my desk!
This book has had more reviews than the Bible and is still regarded as being one of the best “how to” books on the bookshelf – although it was first published back in 2005 and is now looking a little dated.
For those just arrived from planet Zog, Jack Welch enjoyed a 40-year career at General Electric, which is still ranked as the top company for global leadership. In 1981 he became GE’s eighth chairman and led the company to year-on-year success in the most demanding markets and against considerable competition. He did this with his honest, no-nonsense style of management and his ability to focus on people, teamwork and profits. Welch increased GE’s market capitalisation to $400bn, making it the world’s most valuable corporation. Since retiring in 2001 and touring the business world offering sage advice, Winning is the result of the inspiration obtained from answering audience questions around the world.
The result is one of the best business books out there – although, frankly, I prefer his subsequent book, Winning: The Answers (2006).
Winning delivers a career’s worth of astute wisdom and knowledge from the man Fortune calls “the manager of the century”. Welch clearly knows what he is talking about and offers insights into his own experience within GE – from reducing the workforce by ten per cent at regular intervals, to the importance of candour (unclutter everything!) and values (dignity).
With personal and pithy anecdotes, and written in a distinctive forthright manner, Winning offers some original thinking and solutions to everyday business problems. I would, however, have liked to see greater depth to some of his arguments.
Welch’s stated goal is to help anyone who has a passion for success. Winning is as good a place to start as anywhere for the aspiring next generation of Jack Welchs!
Rating: 8/10
Prof. Michael Lewis
