Who Says Elephants Can't Dance? [Abridged, Audiobook, CD] [Audio CD]

Louis Gerstner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 12, 2002

CEO Louis V. Gerstner Jr.'s memoir about the extraordinary turnaround of IBM and his transformation of the company into the industry leader of the computer age -- the great American business story of our time. When Louis V. Gerstner became CEO of IBM in 1993, shares had slumped and the company was on the verge of collapse. Hired for his successful management of RJR Nabisco and American Express, Gerstner had no background in technology, but during his seven-year chairmanship, he transformed the company into the leading force of the computer age. In his frank, direct voice, Gerstner recalls the obstacles he faced: the plans to fragment the company, the inconsistent global policies, the stodgy white-shirt hierarchy and inter-departmental competitiveness and the rapidly declining sales. Within months of joining IBM, Gerstner presented his bold and controversial business strategy. Punitive towards office politics, he revolutionized the company from within, altering an entire corporate culture, divesting billions of dollars in unneeded assets and transforming IBM from a fractured, process-driven business into a nimble, customer-driven enterprise able to respond quickly to the volatile technology market and face down Microsoft and Intel in the internet era. Revealing his tactics step-by-step, Gerstner spins an engaging narrative that takes the reader behind the curtain into the unbelievable mess he inherited and into the office and mind of a CEO facing a challenge of a lifetime.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Louis V. Gerstner Jr., formerly head of RJR Nabisco and American Express, is the CEOof IBM.

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Harper Collins Audio; Abridged edition (November 12, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0007153627
• ISBN-13: 978-0007153626
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,827,044 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Leadership principles in how to manage a business., January 2, 2009

By 

Kevin M Quigg (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Who Says Elephants Can't Dance? (Paperback)

My university suggested to all students that they read this book. I agree very much with their focus on why students should learn how to manage and lead. IBM was once a has been corporation in the early 1990s until Lou Gerstner showed them how to be nimble and respond to customer needs. IBM lost its focus because it did not focus its energies on exploiting the innovations of its labs. They were losing money faster than at anytime in the past. Only Gerstner showed how they could focus their energies on creating value in the marketplace. Gerstner's sage advice and guidance helped IBM survive this struggle to become profitable again. IBM is such a huge technological company that one wonders how Gerstner turned around this company. His leadership saved IBM. One wonders if he could save a company like GM or Chrysler now.

This is a great book to read on leadership and common sense. You don't have to be a genius to be a leader. What you need is the ability to focus on your organization's strengths and weaknesses. Improve your weaknesses and exploit your strengths.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mr. Gerstner - The right guy at the right time, December 3, 2009

By 

Peter P. Bud "author of How To Be A Best Sell... (Canandaigua, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Who Says Elephants Can't Dance? (Paperback)

I was at IBM when Louis Gerstner came on board to skipper the massive Big Blue ship that had wandered off into the wrong direction. How could a "cookie guy" from Nabisco right a high tech company, was my first thought. Well, he saved the day. And the company. This book tells of his challenges, inside and outside of IBM, and how he solved many of the problems. I hope Louis is enjoying a well-deserved retirement.