Father, Son, and Co.: My Life at IBM and Beyond
by Thomas J. Watson, Peter Petre
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In this eloquent first-person account of a family drama that changed the face of American business, the man who transformed IBM into the world's largest computer company reflects on his lifelong partnership with his father--and how their management style and shared dedication to excellence united to create a unique corporate culture that became the blueprint for the entire technology boom. In the course of sixty years Thomas J. Watson Sr. and his son, Thomas J. Watson Jr., together built the show more international colossus that is IBM. This is their story: a riveting and revealing account of two men who loved each other--and fought each other--with a terrible fierceness. But along with the story of a father and son, this is IBM's story too. It chronicles the management insights that shaped its course and its unique corporate culture, the style that made Thomas Watson Sr. one of America's most charismatic bosses, and the daring decisions by Thomas Watson Jr. that transformed IBM into the world's largest computing company. One of the greatest business-success stories of all time, Father, Son & Co. is a moving lesson for fathers who dream for their children, as well as a testament to American ingenuity and values, told in a disarmingly frank and eloquent voice. Promising to remain an important business reference as we move into the next century, FATHER, SON & CO. takes a look at the management insight that helped to shape IBM's course and unique corporate culture.nbsp;nbsp;It looks at Watson, Sr., one of America's most charismatic bosses, and Watson, Jr., who spurred IBM into the computer age. Ten years after its original publication, FATHER, SON & CO. remains a uniquely honest book. Watson's willingness to write about the loving but ferociously combative relationship he had with his father and the turbulent battles behind some of IBM's most far-reaching decisions gives readers rare insights into the realities of leadership. -- show lessTags
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Member Reviews
The 'book about a guy who grew up rich and took over his father's company' is usually, at best, boring. This one breaks the mold for four reasons: Thomas Watson conflicted badly with his father creating a natural literary tension, he had his own experiences in WWII worth writing about, he took over the company right as a major revolution was happening in electronic accounting, and he's willing to write about his mistakes.
The guy who helped him write this also helped with Arnold Schwarzenegger's book.
The guy who helped him write this also helped with Arnold Schwarzenegger's book.
An apparently honest - right or wrong - description of the tug or war between self and father and son.
I truly enjoyhed reading this. Had it on the book-shelf for many years, before I actually read it. Turned out it was long overdue
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3+ Works 451 Members
Thomas J. Watson, Jr. joined IBM as a salesman in 1937 and was made a vice president in 1946. He became president in 1952, was named CEO in 1956, and later served as chairman of the board. Watson was also an influential member of the President's Advisory Committee on Labor-Management Policy and a respected trustee for a number of organizations
3+ Works 385 Members
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- Genres
- Business, Nonfiction, Biography & Memoir, General Nonfiction, Technology, History
- DDC/MDS
- 338.761004092 — Society, government, & culture Economics Production Business Enterprises By Industry Service
- LCC
- HD9696 .C64 .I4887 — Social sciences Industries. Land use. Labor Industries. Land use. Labor Special industries and trades Mechanical industries
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- 3
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