Guts: The Seven Laws of Business That Made Chrysler the World's Hottest Car Company

by Robert A. Lutz

Book Overview

1. The Customer Is Not Always Right. 2. The Primary Purpose of Business Is Not "To Make Money." 3. When Everyone Else Is Doing It, DON'T . 4. Too Much Quality Can Ruin You. 5. Financial Controls Are Bad 6. Disruptive People Are An Asset. 7. Teamwork Isn't Always Good. "Bob Lutz is one of America's most imaginative and most insightful business leaders. He thinks way outside the box, and when he talks, everyone needs to listen."-Michael Hammer, Coauthor,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471295612
• ISBN13: 9780471295617
• Release Date: September 1998
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Length: 226 Pages
• Weight: 1.18 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A Must-Read!

Former Chrysler president and vice-chairman Robert A. Lutz proves that sometimes a corporate leader can write a terrific book (it just doesn't happen very often). If Lutz ever decides to get out of the corporate arena entirely, he would make a fabulous comedian. Known as a colorful and brilliant leader ever since he turned Chrysler around in the early `90s, he shares the ideas that saved the company as well as others he believes could help any organization succeed. Lutz is direct, holds nothing back and points out the lunacy behind most corporate decisions. We [...] think of him as the Dennis Miller of corporate honchos. He fills his how-to book with plenty of examples from his Chrysler days, making it a provocative page-turner that any businessperson can relish.

This book is a must-read for every executive!

Robert Lutz tells of his almost embarassing past as the oldest person in high school (He graduated at age 22!), and of his success at Chrysler as well as Ford of Europe and BMW. But the real point of this book is to point out what's wrong with American business and modern society and how to fix the problems. Unlike most other books of it's type, GUTS really does provide sensible solutions not from an industry observer, but from an insider who knows how it all works. Written in a humourous and upbeat tone, GUTS should be required reading for all Fortune 500 executives.

THIS COUNTRY NEEDS MORE MEN LIKE BOB LUTZ

As a business major, I am constantly studying the theoretical side of business. It was quite refreshing to read about a guy who challenges some of the old corporate attitudes and pushes for positive change within businesses. "The customer isn't always right," and "disruptive people are an asset," are a couple of his laws which provoked thought and inspiration which contradict the old maxims taught in the business world. I also enjoyed reading about his philosophies regarding where our country's youth is heading, education in America, America as an international player, and the future of business. A definite great read for anybody involved in business or life in general.

The Most Important Man in the Last Twenty Five Years of Cars

As an automotive broadcaster and historian it was my pleasure to write the review of Bob Lutz's book for the October issue of "Car and Driver" magazine. While most people may not be aware of Mr. Lutz's contributions to the industry, those inside of the car business know he has been the most influential individual the car business has offered us in the past twenty five years. In addition, while other's have published their books of "business wisdown" that were full of abstract theories on how to succeed, what Bob Lutz gives the reader to chapter after chapter of his common sense approach to business. Fortunately Lutz's "Rules of Business" don't apply only to the automobile industry. They would apply to any company trying to move themselves forward. In a perfect world every company in America, whether small or large, would buy a copy of Mr. Lutz's book and distribute it to every employee. It is the finest book on corporate wisdown since Robert Townsend's "Up the Organization" over 25 years ago. It is a shame that a talent like Bob Lutz has retired. The automobile industry will miss him and his talents tremendously. Ed Wallace 570 KLIF AM/Car and Driver/Fox News-Dallas/insideautomotive.com

"Guts" is not just another book about the auto industry.

It's been a long time since I have had an overwhelming desire to pick up a yellow marker and highlight paragraph after paragraph in a new book. As I finished the first chapter in "Guts, the Seven Laws of Business that Made Chrysler the World's Hottest Car Company," by Robert A. Lutz, I realized that this was going to be one of those books. Lutz shares his insights in an imaginative way that challenges the reader to ponder the author's comments long after the book has been put aside. This is NOT just a book about the automobile industry; it is a book about common sense--both in business and in life. "Lutz's Laws" can be adapted to every type of business, and will be of enormous help to business owners in every field. I know I will be referring to my marked-up copy for many years to come. Please be sure to put your name in this book, because you will want to share it with your friends and business associates...and they, in turn, will need to share it with their co-workers and friends. Better yet, it will be the perfect holiday gift for your boss, co-workers, and friends in the business world.