Jacked Up: The Inside Story of How Jack Welch Talked GE Into Becoming the World's Greatest Company

Bill Lane, Author McGraw-Hill $26.95 (324p) ISBN 978-0-07-154410-8

Does the world really need another book on Jack Welch? While the former GE CEO is an acknowledged superstar of the business world, he has written and been written about in so many books in this genre that regular visitors to bookstore business sections may find themselves growing weary. One thing's for sure-if you're going to write another book centered on Jack Welch, it better be good. Luckily, this volume doesn't disappoint. Written by Bill Lane, Welch's speechwriter of 20 years, this book documents GE's Welch years and offers general advice. While completely deferential to Welch-sometimes to a fault-Lane is a great observer and writer, bringing the spirit of Welch's GE tenure alive through anecdotes, conversation and explicit details that reveal what strategies worked to advance careers or end them. Italicized advice tips that summarize communications tips and strategies round out various chapters like a stream of consciousness whisper. While this book's primary appeal will still be to Jack Welch junkies, the author's insider tone and great style make an interesting read for a wider audience.

Reviewed on: 12/03/2007

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