Title: The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success
Author: William N. Thorndike Jr.
First published January 1, 2012
251 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781422162675 (ISBN10: 1422162672)
Rating: 4.2
Overview
What does it take to be a successful CEO? Is it industry expertise, charisma, or virtuoso communication skills?
According to author William N. Thorndike Jr., exceptional CEO performance is defined by the returns for the shareholders of that company over the long term.
In his book, The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success, Thorndike brings to bear the analytical wisdom of a successful career in investing, closely evaluating the performance of companies and their leaders.
Through the stories of eight individualistic CEOs, Thorndike reveals the traits and methods that helped these unique leaders achieve exceptional performance. These “outsiders” shunned Wall Street and the press, and instead focused on laser-sharp per-share value, exceptional talent for allocating capital and human resources, and the belief that cash flow, not reported earnings, determines a company’s long-term value.
Drawing on years of research and experience, Thorndike’s book is a refreshing and counterintuitive take on CEO performance. For anyone interested in leading a company or investing in one, The Outsiders provides a compelling alternative model that can lead to extraordinary returns.
Editoral Review
In “The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success,” William N. Thorndike Jr. presents a unique perspective on what it takes to be a successful CEO.
First published on January 1, 2012, the book is a non-fiction work that falls under the business and management genre. Thorndike profiles eight CEOs and the specific strategies they employed to achieve success, including Warren Buffett, Tom Murphy, and Katharine Graham.
Through careful research and interviews with these executives, Thorndike uncovers the unconventional strategies they used to disrupt their industries and create long-term value for their companies. Rather than following the traditional rules and practices of business, these leaders took calculated risks and made tough decisions that set them apart from their competitors.
Thorndike argues that their methods were grounded in reason and logical thinking, rather than just intuition or gut feelings. With a clear and concise writing style, Thorndike presents his findings in an engaging and accessible manner.
He strikes a great balance between explaining complicated business concepts and keeping the narrative engaging with fascinating stories and insights. The book’s structure flows smoothly, with each chapter devoted to a different CEO’s story and their unique approach to business.
However, while the book provides valuable insights, it also has a few weaknesses. Some readers may find the detailed analysis of financial statements and investment strategies to be dry, and the book does not delve into the emotional or personal side of the CEOs’ journeys.
Thorndike focuses exclusively on their business decisions and outcomes, which some readers may find limiting. Despite these limitations, “The Outsiders” is an exceptional resource for anyone interested in learning about unconventional business strategies and successful leadership.
By emphasizing rational decision-making, Thorndike challenges readers to think outside the box and question traditional business practices. Although the book was first published almost a decade ago, its messages remain relevant and timely as business leaders continue to search for innovative ways to grow their companies.
Overall, “The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success” is an insightful and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the world of business and leadership. It receives a rating of 4 out of 5 stars for its engaging writing style, in-depth research, and practical insights.
If you’re looking to learn from some of the most successful and innovative business leaders of our time, this book is an excellent choice.
