Customer Reviews

Who Says Elephants Can't Dance?

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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.

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.