Eric and Jonathan promote an "obligation to dissent," so I feel free to opine that How Google Works is weak, disorganized, and doesn't fulfill the promise of its title.
The authors' intent is to describe new managerial principles that apply in "the Internet Century" using examples from Google's remarkable success. However, the book fails to provide actionable details for running a company, or much insight into how Google is different. Instead, it compiles well-rehearsed bromides (respond quickly to email; have an owner for every meeting), identifies traditional business practices you don't need (business plans; market research), and suggests that all you need to do it hire "smart creatives" and let them loose. It doesn't say anything about the magic of managing all of these smart people with their great ideas.
For many people, the main attraction will be the inside stories from Google. The stories are there, but they often don't support their points. For example, the key takeaway from the chapter on decision-making is to "decide with data," but the introduction is the story of Google's withdrawal from China in 2009, which was decided on moral grounds rather than data.
Overall, I think the Founder's IPO Letter presents the case more clearly and succinctly.
The authors' intent is to describe new managerial principles that apply in "the Internet Century" using examples from Google's remarkable success. However, the book fails to provide actionable details for running a company, or much insight into how Google is different. Instead, it compiles well-rehearsed bromides (respond quickly to email; have an owner for every meeting), identifies traditional business practices you don't need (business plans; market research), and suggests that all you need to do it hire "smart creatives" and let them loose. It doesn't say anything about the magic of managing all of these smart people with their great ideas.
For many people, the main attraction will be the inside stories from Google. The stories are there, but they often don't support their points. For example, the key takeaway from the chapter on decision-making is to "decide with data," but the introduction is the story of Google's withdrawal from China in 2009, which was decided on moral grounds rather than data.
Overall, I think the Founder's IPO Letter presents the case more clearly and succinctly.
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