Who Says Elephants Can't Dance?

Inside IBM's Historic Turnaround

By: Louis V. Gerstner Jr.

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann

In 1990, IBM had its most profitable year ever. By 1993, the company was on a watch list for extinction, victimized by its own lumbering size, an insular corporate culture, and the PC era IBM had itself helped invent.

Enter Lou Gerstner. The presumption was that Gerstner had joined IBM to preside over its continued dissolution into a confederation of autonomous business units, effectively eliminating the corporation that had invented many of the industry's most important technologies. Instead, Gerstner took hold of the company, making the bold decision to keep it together, defiantly announcing, "The last thing IBM needs right now is a vision."

Told in Lou Gerstner's own words, this is a story of an extraordinary turnaround, a case study in managing a crisis, and a thoughtful reflection on the computer industry and the principles of leadership. Summing up his historic business achievement, Gerstner recounts high-level meetings, explains the no-turning-back decisions that had to be made, and offers his hard-won conclusions about the essence of what makes a great company run.

©2002 Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. (P)2002 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A well-rendered self-portrait of a CEO who made spectacular change on the strength of personal leadership." (Publishers Weekly)
"Edward Herrmann's pacing and understated connection with the material in this memoir makes the audio seem compact and relaxed. The writing is also outstanding, lacking excessive pride or self-congratulation....An essential volume for anyone interested in technology, large organizations, or IBM's miraculous rebirth under Gerstner's leadership." (AudioFile)

Excellent narration!

Excellent story. Well written. Hard to put down. Learned a lot about large corporations and how difficult change can be.

really good!

This is a book that every management stuyent should read. Teach youwhat happen in an enterprise and problems that don't teach you in school

Really Good

In a simple way complex concepts are deployed, allowing the read to think about his/her own business reality. You can cross through IBM history, enjoy and learn with it.

The First Two Thirds Are Excellent

I really enjoyed this book most of the way through. Gerstner’s story of IBM’s turnaround and the history that led them into trouble in the first place are very compelling. I find the final part—his “observations”—less interesting. He even says he’s going to try to avoid sounding like a complainer, but he doesn’t quite manage it. The best parts are the tidbits of wisdom on leadership and corporate culture.

A must read for all IBMers

Good book, very insightful about IBM, its business and its culture.
Every IBM newcomer must read and every IBM employee should read.

Quite stimulating

An intellectually stimulating book. Well written and well narrated. An excellent one to listen to for leaders and employees of large institutions.

worth it

a good book for Louis... i am glad i run into it. once i start i couldn't stop.

Inspiring

Excellent book. Amazing story. There is a lot to learn from it. Highly recommended for managers.

Highly recommend this book

A great book. It is interesting, entertaining and provides great guidance for those leading an organization through change.

Big Blue

The best corporate case study I have read. The key impact of this writing lay in the knowledge I’ve gained in understanding the importance of creating a sense of urgency in all things we pursue. Great summary of good corporate governance and organizational change. This book should be on the reading list of all undergraduate and MBA students globally.