Straight from the CEO: The World's Top Business Leaders Reveal Ideas That Every Manager Can Use

Excellent book with many articles and opinions from top CEOs. These are some of the best business books out there, letting you see how the people who run these companies think. I don't know if the paperback has it or not, and honestly I would imagine given what happened it probably has been removed, but in the hardback version, the late Kenneth Lay, CEO of Enron for the majority of years (except for 4 months when Jeff Skilling took over), writes his own little 8 page article on it. I don't know if the paperback has it or not, but I do know any hardback copy from 1998 would.

Small upstarts can successfully attack even giant, established corporations. You need to be a "smart" manager, to defend your organization from these threats. If your company is facing some of the unique challenges of the 21st Century, you could benefit from the advice of CEO's who have already faced them. In this book, CEO's of successful companies have given advice on a wide range of issues facing corporations today, from balancing global resources and facing international competition, to brand building and corporate culture. In Straight From the CEO, you will learn about the innovative solutions, and the thinking behind them, that leaders in every industry have developed as a response to the challenges facing companies today. Here are a few examples: Percy Barnevik, chairman of ABB Asea Brown Boveri, explains how decentralizing a global organization can protect it from its own bureaucratic weight and encourage innovation. Felix Rosenberg, CEO of Swisscom, explains how to combat global competitors by internationalizing your company fast and reinventing your company to prepare for change and innovation. Sir Richard Evans, CEO of British Aerospace cautions that CEO's must not only have a vision of what needs to be done, but also a commitment to becoming deeply involved in the process from beginning to end.

Very persuasive book, with new and bright ideas for the future. It has motivated me to become a more people oriented person. I will take closer looks and my employees needs and wants, taking care of the customer has become one of my greatest concerns. Thank you for the edge on life. Omar Cumberbatch, CEO Royal Family Pro.

Based on a collection of essays by global corporate leaders, the book is structured around 6 themes: globalisation, radical change, leadership, culture, innovation, and customer relationship. Percy Barnevik of ABB, explains how to balance global resources and local autonomy, Richard Evans of British Aerospace shows why radical changes required CEOs to get out of their ivory towers. The book is well illustred and easy to read. It doesn't contain academic theory or consultancy methods. It is a step by step guide explained by experienced CEO who can help solve your company's problems. Franck Renand, Prof. of Strategic Management, ISLA, Oporto, Portugal.