How Google Works

Eric Schmidt & Jonathan Rosenberg

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Both Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg came to Google as seasoned Silicon Valley business executives, but over the course of a decade they came to see the wisdom in Coach John Wooden's observation that 'it's what you learn after you know it all that counts'.

As they helped grow Google from a young start-up to a global icon, they relearned everything they knew about management. How Google Works is the sum of those experiences distilled into a fun, easy-to-read primer on corporate culture, strategy, talent, decision-making, communication, innovation, and dealing with disruption.

The authors explain how the confluence of three seismic changes - the internet, mobile, and cloud computing - has shifted the balance of power from companies to consumers. The companies that will thrive in this ever-changing landscape will be the ones that create superior products and attract a new breed of multifaceted employees whom the authors dub 'smart creatives'.

 The management maxims ('Consensus requires dissension', 'Exile knaves but fight for divas', 'Think 10X, not 10%') are illustrated with previously unreported anecdotes from Google's corporate history.

'Back in 2010, Eric and I created an internal class for Google managers,' says Rosenberg. 'The class slides all read 'Google confidential' until an employee suggested we uphold the spirit of openness and share them with the world. This book codifies the recipe for our secret sauce: how Google innovates and how it empowers employees to succeed.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Talent and Hiring: Google prioritizes hiring exceptional talent. The book emphasizes the importance of hiring smart, innovative, and passionate individuals who contribute to a culture of excellence.

  2. Culture of Innovation: It discusses fostering a culture that encourages risk-taking, creativity, and innovation, allowing employees the freedom to experiment and generate new ideas.

  3. Data-Driven Decision Making: Google's emphasis on using data to drive decisions is highlighted. The book illustrates how data analysis and metrics are central to Google's operational and strategic choices.

  4. Flat Organizational Structure: Google's relatively flat organizational structure is highlighted, promoting openness, collaboration, and rapid decision-making across the company.

  5. Focus on User Experience: The book emphasizes the importance of putting users first, focusing on providing exceptional user experiences and meeting customer needs.

  6. Product Development: Insights into Google's product development process, including the principles of iteration, launching products early, and incorporating user feedback.

  7. Innovation and Moonshots: Discussion on pursuing ambitious, groundbreaking projects (moonshots) that aim to solve significant global challenges or revolutionize industries.

  8. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Google's approach to continual learning, adapting to changes, and willingness to embrace new technologies and methodologies.

  9. Leadership and Communication: The book discusses effective leadership and communication strategies, emphasizing transparency, clarity, and accountability in leadership roles.

  10. Maintaining Entrepreneurial Spirit: Despite its growth, Google strives to maintain an entrepreneurial spirit by encouraging agility, experimentation, and a startup-like environment.

Language English
ISBN-13 9781444792461
No of pages 286
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher John Murray
Published Date 22 Sep 2014

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