How Google Works

Written by Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg

Narrated by Jonathan Rosenberg and Holter Graham

Both Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg came to Google as seasoned Silicon Valley business executives, but over the course of a decade they came to see the wisdom in Coach John Wooden's observation that 'it's what you learn after you know it all that counts'. As they helped grow Google from a young start-up to a global icon, they relearned everything they knew about management. How Google Works is the sum of those experiences distilled into a fun, easy-to-read primer on corporate culture, strategy, talent, decision-making, communication, innovation, and dealing with disruption.

The authors explain how the confluence of three seismic changes - the internet, mobile, and cloud computing - has shifted the balance of power from companies to consumers. The companies that will thrive in this ever-changing landscape will be the ones that create superior products and attract a new breed of multifaceted employees whom the authors dub 'smart creatives'. The management maxims ('Consensus requires dissension', 'Exile knaves but fight for divas', 'Think 10X, not 10%') are illustrated with previously unreported anecdotes from Google's corporate history.

'Back in 2010, Eric and I created an internal class for Google managers,' says Rosenberg. 'The class slides all read 'Google confidential' until an employee suggested we uphold the spirit of openness and share them with the world. This book codifies the recipe for our secret sauce: how Google innovates and how it empowers employees to succeed.'

Read by award-winning narrator Holter Graham, with the foreword and introduction read by Jonathan Rosenberg.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hachette UK Audio
• Release date: Sep 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9781473610569

Eric Schmidt

Eric Schmidt served as Google CEO and chairman from 2001 until 2011, Google executive chairman from 2011 to 2015, and Alphabet executive chairman from 2015 to 2018.

Reviews for How Google Works

[jerry.yoakum · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

There are really good points made and advice that should be heeded. But it is a bit of a chore to turn up the good bits. The thing that slowed down the book for me was all the people who were referenced. I understand and respect the authors for giving credit where credit is due but it does detract from the story. There are a couple summaries floating around for this book. I think in six months or so when I want to review those good leadership points that I'll try one of those instead of re-reading this. I know that sounds harsh and I don't mean for it to. This book is worth reading... once.

[sometimeunderwater · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Better than a book written by corporate committee should be. A lot of LinkedIn-style business bollocks, obviously, but also some interesting insights into Google's culture and ways of working. Easy to read.

[jane3phillips-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An interesting look into the Google world and the business practices that the company uses and how they have brought success.

[antao-3 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

To Google or not to Google: "How Google Works" by Eric Schmidt and Alan Eagle


Published September 23rd 2014

I had my first run in with Google in 2005 as a customer and maybe, because of that, I’ve read this book in a different light. Over the years I’ve found the Technology Giants experience sometimes incredibly frustrating (I won’t name any names in case you’re wondering). People who work with Technology on a day-to-day basis tend to look up to the Software giants with a stance of awe. I always get the sense they think there’s their way of doing things (insert here a Technology Company of your choosing) and then there’s the way of the rest of us… I quite agree with their take on the fact that one has to be super ambitious to get anywhere. I also see things the “Google way” when it comes to the importance of having a moonshot thinking, ie, we have to aim for the stars not to the hill next door. Most of the companies I know tend to assume that things are impossible, rather than starting from real-world physics and figuring out what’s actually possible. That’s the reason Google (and other American Technology companies) puts so much energy into hiring independent thinkers. If one hires the right people and have big dreams, one usually gets there. And even one fails, one will probably learn something important along the way.

You can read the rest of my review on my blog.

[porch_reader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Google relies on smart creatives for its success. Getting the best out of these individuals requires a distinctive management system. In this book, Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg give specific examples of how Google hires, builds culture, develops strategy, makes decisions, and encourages innovation. An interesting look inside a company that has grown without losing its nimbleness.

[anniehidalgo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a really interesting book. But, boy, there must not be any introverts at Google. I'm not sure I agree with all of their thinking as far as it always being better for the company to have an employee who does their best thinking in the company of others, and also hangs out with others mostly in their spare time. There have been so many creative high achievers over the years who work best alone. If you are trying to build a culture that incorporates the best people, surely that would include some of those more self-contained individuals also. I'm not sure that I necessarily buy it that a person who likes quiet to work, or who tends to get tasks done himself rather than reaching out to others, is necessarily an un-innovative control freak. It's still a fascinating look into their culture, though.