Book summary

Now retired from his position as CEO of General Electric, business legend Jack Welch downloads a lifetime of experience in this how-to for success in business. Beginning with a foundational section on motivation and philosophy, he follows with sections on "Your Business" and "Your Competition," tackling the nuts and bolts of everyday business, such as the interview and the evaluation. He closes with "Your Career," which includes a wealth of advice on self-management and self-presentation in business, as well as on how to balance the demands of home and office. Written in Welch's confident, experienced tone, WINNING expresses his "lead, don't manage" philosophy, as he suggests ways to inspire and develop the leadership skills of employees. "When you become a leader, success is all about growing others," he says. Welch illustrates his lessons with anecdotes based on his own experience, including one about his "first big mistake--and it was huge--blowing up a pilot plant in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 1963." Welch tells how the "scientific, sympathetic probing" by his boss's boss for the reasons behind the mistake taught him "how to deal with people when they are down." Writing about bad attitudes and negativity, Welch writes about a friend who felt useless when his company merged with another company. Welch advised his friend to "swallow your pride, prove your worth, and start again." A year later his friend reported that he followed Jack's advice and was thriving in his new role. Jack Welch's WINNING comes from the gut, the heart, and the mind of a leader who wants to pass on what he knows.

Media reviews

"Smart, practical and not afraid to address tough subjects."