Customer Reviews

Memos from the Chairman

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ah - a book that recalls the days when people wanted to work for corporations! As a former employee of Bear Stearns who received some of the memos in this book, I can say that those memos created an atmosphere of comraderie and humor during the recession of the early '90s. Back then, Bear Stearns was considered a great place to work. Of course, Mr. Greenberg is not running the company anymore. At that time, BSC was one of the largest banking institutions in the world, and every level of employee was very proud of his or her role in the success of the company. I recommend this book for managers who need to remember who is really doing the work!!

Alan "Ace" Greenberg's pithy sayings apparently created a spirit of comradery which brought Bear Stearns through the tumultuous 1970s and 80s, to be the powerhouse it is today. In addition to his many talents with arbitrage, yoyo, and playing bridge, the Chairman is a funny guy. It's heartwarming to know he still has his finger in the game, and that his successor is cut of the same cloth. Save your paperclips and fix those rubber bands, people!

BTW, if you've ever been to Bear Stearns HQ on Madison avenue; the place still sizzles with elan and zeal. He's certainly built a corporate culture which has lasted. No slouchy people in jeans at the Bear; people there never got sloppy like the rest of america did. Of course, I'm an outsider looking in, but what I saw looks pretty impressive. Who would you trust with your money? The slob slouching around throwing paper clips in the trash, or the guys who are neat as pins who waste nothing? Check out their returns for the answer to that.

Edit Add: OK, maybe ties were not all that was needed. It's still a great book, even if the coda to the Bear story is a sad one.

To begin with, an author, particularly of a business-related book could not receive a better endorsement than from Warren Buffett. For the informed reader, that could suffice for a review.

For those unfamiliar with Buffett, this book is a must read. Ace Greenberg is witty, humorous and on the money with each subject. Peter Drucker suggested that the most effective form of communication is the 1-page memo and Ace Greenberg shows uncanny mastery of that form of communication. Whether you work in a small or large organization, but particularly a large one, this book is must reading.

Enjoy.

As I was sifting through dust-ridden literature in my library, I came across this legendary book. I too am a former employee of Bear Stearns and remember meeting Mr. Greenberg during my frequent visits to the trading floor.

I enjoyed 'Memos from the Chairman' because it's from the real Alan Greenberg, the legend....

Five stars!!!

Good book, quick read. I finished it in about two days and thoroughly enjoyed it. Although it's a little repetetive on cutting costs, Greenberg, HAC, and Nookie make some very good points. At times they do seem quite greedy and money-centric but Greenberg says, "I hate throwing money out the door." The lesson I took away was to not waste rather than to be greedy.
P.S.: Keeping with the spirit of the book, save some money and buy it used although I have no plans of selling my copy anytime soon.

A truly inspirational insight into the creation of the corporate culture of Bear Sterns, one of the most successful US investment banks. Put simply, the book is a collection of memos passed around the office, written by the ubiquitous Ace Greenberg. His fascination with saving on paper clips and lighting expenses should be a lesson to us all.

At the time I read the book, I was so impressed with the content that I wrote to Mr Greenberg personally, and asked him for a job - need I say any more!!

This book is an outstanding example of successful leadership, which many corporations would do well to emulate throughout their organizations. The book presents the elements for success: These two gentlemen not only had a profound knowledge of the banking and investment worlds, but this was also combined with a sensitivity and delightful sense of humor, which shows a unique understanding of the needs of all the employees within the organization. If only all companies would implement such management styles, there would be no more managerial blunders and atrocious behavior, like those described in the witty-satirical book, "MANAGEMENT BY VICE". I recommend it, if you wish to see some of the unspoken, underlying reasons why high-tech companies may be struggling and why they do not always achieve the kind of success described in the erudite and insightful "Memos From The Chairman"!

A close business acquaintance from New Zealand suggested this as a good read. I ordered it and have found it very interesting and humorous at times. It is certainly not a book you can read cover to cover. Pick it up and set it down occasionally.

"Memos from the Chairman" is a unique and interesting publication. Unique in the sense that the vast majority of this book is in fact a compilation of Memorandas from Alan Greenberg, of Bear Stearns fame. Interesting from the perspective that a book can tell a story using, more or less, just a series of Memorandas.

Entertaining, amusing, insightful and educational, this is a book well worth reading. Add to that a Foreword penned by Warren Buffett, and the case for taking the time to read this book is just made stronger.

I see that a few of us formers have reviewed this book or the soft cover version. It was just last week that I was told of the book, and as one of the many who received some of the memos I found myself reminded of the important things in business ;) A real person should answer the phone - and before the 2nd ring! Don't waste electricity, paperclips or rubber bands. Don't go nuts purchasing things you don't really need in up times. Two head can purchase equipment at better prices than 1 head. The importance of catching mistakes, owning up to them, and not hiding things in the drawers. You don't have to do something just because others are doing it. You'll find great employees in downtimes. And... how determination is so much more important then some letters after your name (unless you're a DR of course). Great reminders... for all. Thanks for the memories and lessons.