Good Company: Caring as Fiercely as You Compete

This is a terrific book. Insightful, practical, wtitten with a crisp prose style. Beginning with Chapter 2 through Chapter 8, the authors provide a detailed summary of key points at the end of each chapter. These summaries offer excellent checklists which could, perhaps, be discussed individually during a staff or department meeting called to focus on a specific topic such as "speed.". All by themselves, the summaries are well worth the price of the book...and then some.It is no mere coincidence that the same companies which the editors of Fortune annually rate as the "most admired" also have the greatest cap value. For the co-authors of Good Company, the term "good" refers to character as well as to competence, to decency as well as to dedication. In their book, they examine their "peers from the top 100" (Rosenbluth International is one of them), explaining why the best companies to work for are the best companies to work with. One of the most valuable points in Good Company is that almost any company (regardless of size or nature) can learn a great deal from the family farm model. Obviously, there will be significant differences between and among companies in terms of how they define terms such as "farm land", "seeds", "crops", "harvest, "going to market", "town", etc. Fair enough. However, each farm is an organization which requires teamwork as well as hard work, careful planning and constant attention, and a healthy respect for natural forces.Good Company examines two models: the Rosenbluth "farm" as well as the generic "family farm." In process, Rosenbluth and Peters take a close look at fifteen other companies which vary widely in terms of size and nature. "What do all of these companies share in common?" Good Company answers that question. "Why are these same companies rated the most highly respected?" Same answer. An abundant harvest awaits those who care as fiercely as they compete.

This was a great read. Simple to understand and apply to any business. A very valuable read especially for your boss. Goes into great detail on how to create a winning environment where people can excel and even be happy working.

As an associate and leader of Rosenbluth International for the last 5 years, when I sat down to read this book I did so thinking 'I have lived through all that Hal is going to speak about, so there may not be alot in here for me to still learn'. I have to admit I was very wrong! Not only is this book entertaining and fun to read, it is full of great ideas, creative solutions, common sense thinking and suggestions that transcend any industry type, size or personality. Whether you are an associate of one of the companies profiled in the book, a seasoned or brand new manager, a personal assistant or CEO, I highly recommend reading this book!

This book provides a common sense approach to good management and has the answers on how to retain good employees, the key to building a winning business of any size in todays ultra competitive marketplace. This book is not another one of those management books written on theroy alone. The author reveals many of his companies practiced and proven techniques along with those from other well known companies. If you want to create a great place to work(and you better acording to this book) so you can attract and retain great people this is a valuable and interesting read.

I'm giving a copy to my boss! A rejuvinating read. Tells how companies can make gobs of money while actually being nice to it's employees. Give hope to the "nice guys finish first" notion. The Southwest Airlines story was particularly inspiring.