Thomas J. WatsonFather, Son & Co.: My Life at IBM and Beyond

I purchased this book on the strong recommendation of a friend who referred me in to IBM for a job. It had been recommended to him as a means for better understanding IBM's philosophies, culture and business practices during his long tenure as the manager of another technology company's business alliance with IBM. Tom Watson, Jr spent more than half of his life deeply enmeshed in IBM, from boyhood through a significant portion of his professional adult life. It is, in fact, a deeply revealing look inside IBM and did fulfill my primary goal of better understanding my new employer.What I wasn't expecting was the rich, fascinating story of an incredibly interesting life. Tom gives us a compelling recount of an historic journey, in and out of IBM, that includes a close look at the under-told story of America's WWII relationship with the Soviet Union, how IBM evolved from a somewhat stodgy business machine manufacturer to an innovative technology leader, and his post-IBM adventures in business and government. As I turned the last page and closed the book, what struck with me, and has stayed with me, was how honest and authentic his story had been. Tom didn't gloss over things that were unpleasant or didn't show him in a favorable light -- he shined a bright light on them and made at least part of his story a cathartic confession of his failings as well as a celebration of his (many more) successes.Just a terrific read about an extraordinary American. More than worth the time!

Already had a paperback copy. Wanted a hardcover. Tried bestandfastestbooks. Great results. It arrived fast and in excellent condition. I took a chance on buying a used book. That chance really paid off. The book is hard to find any difference between any of my books bought new. I'll use bestandfastest books again to order a used book. The book is one that should always be required reading for any person -- young or old -- who strives to be educated.

What is the difference between a widely successful company and a mediocre one? What was the difference between IBM and, say, the makers of UNIVAC? The difference was not in the technology or in being at the right place at the right time. The difference was IBM's leadership and in particular Thomas J. Watson Jr's leadership. There are exceedingly few examples in the history of business when a very successful company risks everything to climb to an even higher level. That is what IBM did with project 360 and it is possible that no other person except Watson Jr. was in a position to implement such a daring undertaking. He had courage, vision, and, yes, credibility. IMHO, Tomas J. Watson Jr. is the manager of the century (20th)and through this book you can gain some insights into his leadership style.

Very disappointed. Due to short turnaround, I was unable to return books as it was needed for client coming to US. These were supposed to be in new condition and they were not. Being we were out of time, we had to give copies to the client in the condition it came in.

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