The Lenovo Way: Managing a Diverse Global Company for Optimal Performance

I purchased this book with great optimism as it is rare to have one organization offer to provide insight into their global journey -- especially such a short time after the global journey has begun. However, the journey that Lenovo has gone through is not enormously different than the journey numerous other global companies have undertaken. Thus, if you are familiar with global mergers you may not find too much that is new here.There are various examples of seemingly off handed comments that do not ring true. For example, the text describes the fairly common task of creating teams of business leaders and HR leaders to address key cultural issues as unusual -- and states that most companies use only HR to lead such initiatives. Having HR and business leaders work together to create change is a well established concept in well run, best practices organizations; implying that HR should lead and run such initiatives on their own misses the very heart of how to create cultural change. In addition, at one point the author(s) describe a meeting with American IBM engineers who used jargon as "noninclusive and lazy". These types of comments and misstatements stand out because the author(s) stress over and over again how important attention to language is in cross cultural companies. (I'm sure all of us who use jargon don't view ourselves as lazy.) This may be the result of the ghost writer as I doubt that Ms. Qiao or Ms. Yolanda actually wrote the book given the way that it is structured and the fact that each of the author(s) are referred to in the third person.For those who have not experienced a major merger or have not worked in a cross cultural company the book is sure to be interesting. But, be prepared to wade through advice such as "simplify your key peformance indicators" and "be consistent when rewarding performers" to pull out the pearls of wisdom.

I purchased this book because my daughter worked for a division of IBM that was purchased by Lenovo. My daughter was reading the book to learn more about the company she would now be working for and made very positive comments about the book. Being an avid book reader I had to buy it for various reasons. I am blown away by this company's history and their philosophy of East and West countries working together for the betterment of our entire world. I wish EVERYONE would purchase and read this book and model their concepts. It could turn our whole world into a better place for all to live!

Lenovo is getting this formula right. I thought I was doing the right things in a cross cultural organization...until reading this book. This book helped me realize that I am not doing enough to embrace cultural differences. Great insight, with examples, on how to adapt to a changing market in a diverse, multi-geographical landscape.This book is a "must read" for anyone working in a global company that is struggling with communication with their colleagues abroad.

Great insights into a very interesting company, and written in a simple, clear and humble style. Yes, other companies have done similar things, but it isn't often you get to hear the "inside story" in such a way, warts and all.

Excellent insight into the business strategies which have created a successful global tech company. The book is a good reminder that people, when trained well and motivated to succeed, can have an enormous impact on the success (or failure) of a business.Really interesting stories about overcoming personal challenges to achieve unparalleled success.

Good inside look of Lenovo. Readable corporate book.

Some great advice! Would recommend!

Yolanda is a client of mine. Her knowledge and story is amazing. This book is great quality

Very practical and convincing.

China for long has been thoughts of as world's factory, a nation good for low-cost merchandise at best. However, over past decade or so, Chinese companies like Lenovo, Haier, Huawei and other state-owned enterprises have come to fore in the most legitimate manner. it's no longer through imitation or improvisation that these companies have become world-leaders, but this comes from innovation and entrepreneurship. Written by two seasoned executives, one grown vertically at Lenovo- Gina, and another, a diversify expert, Yolanda, the book is a narration of how Lenovo managed it culture to become a truly global enterprise.One can read the book from multiple vantage points: culture, change management, leadership, innovation, organizational design, diversity, and globalization.This is one very accurate and detailed description of a emerging giant from the East, and brings to fore the importance of managing cultural differences to become a leading force.

EditierenGina Qiao hat hier mit The Lenovo Way die Firmengeschichte spannend und umfassend wiedergeben. Besonders der Weg von Legend zu Lenovo und die stufenweise Integration der IBM PCD und die Jahre danach, indem weitere IT-Firmen in den Lenovo-Konzern aufgenommen ist sehr wertvoll um den Lenovo Way zu verstehen und den Gencode dieser Firma kennenzulernen. Eine sehr gute und teilweise auch selbstkritische Darstellung einer Globalisierung von China in die restliche IT-Welt.