To me, the book was partly a biography of James Despian, where he gave examples of how he learned and applied leadership traits.
I wonder whether he actually practiced what he preached. Hm.. I guess Caterpillar Inc.'s employees that worked under him will bear witness to that!
Here is the official introduction to the book. Is it worth a read, you decide!
I am not your typical senior executive. I don't have an MBA. I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth. No, this is the story of someone with an unlikely resume f success. I was married when I was 16. I didn’t go to college. What I learned, I learned on the job. I watched and I listened. I read and I asked. I tried and failed. I learned and I tried again.
This book is the story of a lifetime of experiences and the lessons I learned that enabled me to become a true leader of people. I began my career as a swapper in a factory that makes the largest earthmoving equipment in the world. I ended it at the same company- a vice present of a $20 billion corporation. This story includes how we transformed a factory and an entire division into highly profitable leaders in our corporation and industry. It tells you how to do the same in what ever business you find yourself.
