Berra shows how leaders can deal with their own self-doubt and skepticism, while simultaneously seizing on solutions to ever-growing challenges such as corporate bureaucracy, rapid innovation, intense competition and, ultimately, maintaining success. Each chapter in the book is devoted to lessons on facing these challenges and turning them to your advantage.
Berra guides readers to identify the strategic value of each obstacle. He tackles the frequent business disruptions that are usually out of leaders’ control, but require attention to stay ahead of the competition.
One example of his experience was the introduction of Delta V from Emerson, which was ahead of its time in the mid-1990s.
Technically speaking, Turning the Giant is a business and finance book. However, its readers may feel like they’re perusing the self-help section of their local bookstore. At its core, the book inspires positive thinking and self-reflection from those in the business world who may need it most, but don’t always have the time or best skills to step back to ponder their own vulnerabilities. It’s this aspect that makes this book different from a traditional how-to for the business world.
Berra doesn’t come across like a new-age guru, though. Like any good business leader, he maintains a practical approach to problem solving. Turning the Giant has no shortage of insights, and includes quotes from world and business leaders as varied as Winston Churchill and Elon Musk. However, Berra maintains a straightforward approach drawn from his own experience in business. He isn’t shy about sharing personal stories from his career and acknowledging his standards and expectations for himself.
If you’re looking for a strategy to help maneuver business and personal challenges, Turning the Giant is well worth your time.
