Nice book on Google working. ( )

This programmer isn't that thrilled to be called a "smart creative". Reads like a hiring brochure, mostly. Published in 2014, very dated now.

During my time in the Air Force, I was indoctrinated in the General Creech model of Total Quality Management. I have used a number of those principles to this day, but one principle stood out more than the others... benchmark the leaders. As I look around much is in turmoil and much does not work to the level it should, yet, there is a company that continuously improves and takes advantage of their failures with improvement in other areas, and that company is Google. I have always been curious about what was behind the Google curtain. When I learned that Google Executive Chairman and ex-CEO Eric Schmidt and former Senior Vice President of Products Jonathan Rosenberg wrote How Google Works*, I knew I had to read it. I was not disappointed. If you are looking to shake up how your organization runs, there are countless lessons in this book. A number of them I plan to implement in my new job. Read more ( )

The first book I read for 2015 is a business book. A very well written business book about Google, but a business book nonetheless, written by two men who have worked at Google for many years and are in upper management. This book would've been a very interesting read in my Management class last semester, as it has very helpful and applicable tips. The chapters about decision making and innovation were the chapters stuck out for me. Obviously, since this book is written by people who currently work at Google, it has a very pro-Google slant, but it is still an enjoyable book, something I never expected to write about a business book. ( )

There are really good points made and advice that should be heeded. But it is a bit of a chore to turn up the good bits. The thing that slowed down the book for me was all the people who were referenced. I understand and respect the authors for giving credit where credit is due but it does detract from the story. There are a couple summaries floating around for this book. I think in six months or so when I want to review those good leadership points that I'll try one of those instead of re-reading this. I know that sounds harsh and I don't mean for it to. This book is worth reading... once. ( )