—Gil Amelio

This is the story of the transformation of National Semiconductor as told by the man who led it, CEO Gil Amelio. You’ll learn how in just three short years, Amelio and his management team took National from its worst loss in 30 years to the highest earnings in its history. In this book, Amelio shares the common-sense ideas that National used to become a profitable $2.3 billion organization. Presented in the book are specific, down-to-earth approaches that any chief executive can apply on a company-wide level, and that managers and supervisors can apply to revitalize their own organizations and improve their management style. The same principles and processes that worked at National can transform a failing organization or bring renewed strength to a healthy one. Amelio’s management success at National is based on straight-forward tools and principles, not theories. In these pages, you’ll find these techniques spelled out. Amelio and veteran writer William L. Simon illustrate what to do, what’s important, and how to measure your success—all in a readable style that will capture your attention and motivate you to action. The authors tell you how to create a viable action plan, heighten commitment in the ranks, establish excellence as the standard, and make the customer your best friend. Profit from Experience is divided into two parts. Part one focuses on "people leadership" and part two charts the course for "business leadership," from structure to finance. Here are just a few of the tools you’ll find in this transformation manual:

• 6 core business issues and why they’re critical to success
• The Team program
• 10 personal attributes to strive for
• 6 steps to empowerment
• Amelio’s Guidelines for General Managers
• Attributes to look for when hiring (in order of importance)

Amelio’s energy and charisma shine throughout every chapter. You’ll enjoy his personal anecdotes, which are as entertaining as they are instructive. Whether you want to turn a business around, learn the nuts and bolts of transformation management, or just get an up-close look at an industry legend, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in Profit from Experience.

PEOPLE LEADERSHIP.

Creating the Vision.

Involving Everyone in Defining the Organization.

Valuing What Your Customers Value.

On Selecting, Developing, and Keeping People.

Institutionalizing Excellence: The Leading Change Program.

The Road to High Standards.

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP.

Structuring for Success.

Operational Excellence--The #1 Strategic Weapon.

Teamwork at the Top, Teamwork Everywhere.

"Speed is Life"--Using Time As a Competitive Weapon.

From Red to Black.

Appendices.

Index.