High Output Management

This book made its way onto the short list of books that I have picked up and read cover to cover in one sitting. Andrew Grove helped create a small memory chip manufacturer, and in the face of increased foreign competition, turned his company around to create the largest producer of computer processor chips to date. This book is a concise explanation of the methods and tactics he used to make Intel what it is.

Grove does an excellent job of relating production methods to something we can all understand, a food and beverage establishment. Aside from the production model, Grove opens the hood and examines compensation systems, meetings, employee review procedures and processes, and briefly discusses motivation ala Maslow's heirarchy. It's good, easy reading, and may be very informative and thought provoking to the open mind looking top gain a better understanding of Industrial Management.

Grove describes his management techniques in a controlled, predictable environment. After reading Tim Jackson's book ("Inside Intel"), I saw the other side of the coin (less rational...). Grove is always coerent and clear. This is a must read, specially for middle-managers, but read Jackson's book for the full story...

I came upon this book many years ago while an internal consultant for AT & T Bell Laboratories Technical Education. Since then I have found it to be a valuable tool in teaching the basics of management to students inside and outside of corporate structure. I still use it as a member of the faculty of Bloomfield College's Materials Management Institute. Grove has managed to capture the essence of what a company is all about by using simple examples. No, this isn't a high concept leading edge management text. However, it does communicate the fundamentals of running a manufacturing company clearly and simply. It provides a foundation on which you can build the knowledge of the leading edge theories.

Grove identifies what is critical in management. Leverage really only happens when focused on the right things. He gives perspective on how to determine that. Then also how to get results. This book is specific, to the point. No fluff. He writes well and he has a track record of incredible success that few have equaled. If you MUST get results then get the book.