How Google Works Summary and Review | Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg

Read time: 5 min

The “How Google Works” book explains the inner workings of the tech giant and how it has managed to maintain its position as a leader in the industry. It discusses the company’s unique corporate culture, its focus on innovation and experimentation, and its use of data and algorithms to drive decision-making. The book also delves into the role of leadership in shaping the company’s success and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing industry. Overall, the book offers valuable insights into how Google has been able to stay ahead of the game and how other organizations can apply similar strategies to their own businesses.

1. The importance of corporate culture: In the “How Google Works” book, corporate culture is described as the values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape an organization’s identity and guide its actions. Google has built a corporate culture that encourages innovation and experimentation, which has been key to the company’s success. This culture is reflected in the company’s values, which include a focus on meritocracy, transparency, and open communication. These values allow Google to foster a sense of community and trust among its employees, which in turn fosters creativity and collaboration. Additionally, Google’s corporate culture emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the value of diverse perspectives, which has helped the company to stay ahead of the game and continuously improve its products and services.
2. The power of data and algorithms: In the “How Google Works” book, data and algorithms are described as critical tools for making informed decisions at Google. The company relies heavily on data and algorithms to drive continuous improvement and to identify and address potential problems. For example, Google uses data to analyze user behavior and preferences, which helps the company to tailor its products and services to meet the needs of its users. Additionally, Google uses algorithms to optimize the performance of its search engine and other products, which helps to improve the user experience. Overall, data and algorithms play a central role in the way that Google operates, and the company continues to invest in these tools to drive innovation and growth.
3. The role of leadership: In the “How Google Works” book, leadership is described as a critical factor in the success of any organization. At Google, leaders are expected to be visionaries who can inspire and motivate their teams, as well as being able to adapt to change. The book discusses how Google leaders are encouraged to take risks and think creatively, and how they are expected to foster a culture of transparency and open communication. Additionally, the book highlights the importance of diversity in leadership, with Google recognizing that a diverse leadership team leads to better decision-making and innovation.
4. The importance of adaptability: In the “How Google Works” book, adaptability is described as a key factor in the success of any organization, particularly in a rapidly changing industry like tech. Google has been able to stay ahead of the game by being agile and open to change, and the company encourages its employees to do the same. This includes being willing to take risks and embrace new technologies and approaches, as well as being able to pivot quickly when necessary. The book discusses how Google has been able to remain innovative and successful by being adaptable and constantly seeking out new opportunities.
5. The value of diversity: In the “How Google Works” book, diversity is described as a critical factor in the success of any organization. Google has made a concerted effort to promote diversity and inclusion within the company, recognizing that a diverse workforce leads to better ideas and decision-making. This includes actively recruiting a diverse workforce and fostering a culture that values and respects diverse perspectives. The book discusses how Google’s commitment to diversity has helped the company to better understand and serve its users, and how it has contributed to the company’s success.
6. The role of teamwork: In the “How Google Works” book, teamwork is described as a key element in the success of any organization. Google has a strong team-oriented culture, with employees encouraged to collaborate and work together to achieve common goals. The book discusses how Google fosters teamwork through its corporate culture, which emphasizes transparency and open communication, as well as through its practices and processes. For example, the company encourages its employees to share their ideas and feedback openly, and it relies on cross-functional teams to drive innovation and problem-solving.
7. The power of innovation: In the “How Google Works” book, innovation is described as a key factor in the success of any organization. Google is known for its innovative approach to problem-solving, and the company encourages its employees to think creatively and take risks. This includes fostering a culture that values experimentation and encourages employees to try new things, as well as investing in research and development to drive innovation. The book discusses how Google has been able to stay ahead of the game by continuously innovating and seeking out new opportunities, and how other organizations can apply similar strategies to their own businesses.
8. The importance of customer focus: In the “How Google Works” book, customer focus is described as a critical factor in the success of any organization. Google has always placed a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, and this has been a key factor in the company’s success. The company is constantly working to improve its products and services to meet the needs and preferences of its users, and it uses data and customer feedback to drive continuous improvement. Additionally, the book discusses how Google’s customer-centric approach has helped the company to better understand and serve its users, and how it has contributed to the company’s success.