Perfect Enough: Carly Fiorina And The Reinvention Of Hewlett-Packard

George Anders

Physical

In Circulation

In late 2001, Hewlett-Packard shareholders were divided over a proposed buyout of computer manufacturer Compaq. Carly Fiorina, who'd been appointed HP's CEO two years earlier, had convinced most of the directors that the merger was necessary in order for the firm to remain competitive. But Walter Hewlett, son of one of the company's founders, came to believe the move was against everything the "HP Way" stood for.

He drummed up support and turned the vote over the merger into a test of Fiorina's leadership. Anders, a Fast Company editor, uses this battle as the centerpiece of his account, but the book's subtitle is largely a misnomer. Although Anders recounts Fiorina's transformation from a talented executive at Lucent Technologies into one of America's most powerful female CEOs, she's only a small part of the story—and, in the long run, perhaps not the most interesting. The efforts of the second generation of Hewletts and Packards to cope with the pressure to remain loyal to the company's original vision and the multibillion-dollar legacy left by their fathers present much more compelling material. Chapters on HP's history, intended to provide a backdrop to Fiorina's fight to establish herself, overwhelm her story and reduce it to part of a recurring cycle of boardroom turbulence. Anders provides workmanlike reportage on the events, but falls short of linking it to a big picture worth caring about and never rises to offer a standout story.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Leadership Style: The book likely explores Carly Fiorina's leadership style and how it influenced the culture and direction of Hewlett-Packard during her time as CEO.

  2. Challenges of Leadership: Fiorina faced numerous challenges during her tenure, including the merger with Compaq. The book may discuss the complexities of leadership in the face of significant organizational changes.

  3. Vision for Change: Fiorina is known for her vision to transform Hewlett-Packard. The book may detail her strategic vision and the rationale behind the decisions she made to reinvent the company.

  4. Mergers and Acquisitions: The merger with Compaq was a pivotal moment. The book may provide insights into the decision-making process, challenges faced, and the impact on the company.

  5. Gender in Leadership: Given that Carly Fiorina was one of the few female CEOs of a major tech company at the time, the book might touch on gender dynamics and challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry.

  6. Communication Strategies: Fiorina was known for her communication skills. The book may discuss how she communicated her vision and decisions to various stakeholders, including employees, investors, and the public.

  7. Successes and Failures: A balanced view of Fiorina's tenure at Hewlett-Packard is likely presented, discussing both successes and failures to provide a comprehensive understanding of her leadership.

  8. Impact on Company Culture: The book may explore how Fiorina's leadership impacted the culture of Hewlett-Packard, examining changes in the work environment, employee morale, and collaboration.

  9. Financial Performance: Fiorina's leadership had implications for the financial performance of Hewlett-Packard. The book may analyze the company's financial trajectory during her tenure.

  10. Legacy and Lessons: Ultimately, the book might reflect on Carly Fiorina's legacy at Hewlett-Packard and extract leadership lessons that can be applied more broadly.

Language English
ISBN-10 1591840031
ISBN-13 9781591840039
No of pages 248
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Portfolio
Published Date 25 Feb 2003

About Author

Author : George Anders

3 Books

Related Books