Rating: 
Summary: Terrible Book
Review: I was so looking forward to reading this book after having the privilege of hearing Larry Bossidy speak. However, the book was a HUGE disappointment to me, so much so that I shelved it after 80 pages. It was terribly written by both contributing authors. Frankly, there was no need to write this book at all. The premise was so simplistic that I gained no more knowledge about execution in business than I had before reading it. Having just earned my MBA, I had been exposed to so many great business books during the course of my studies. I am glad that this book never showed up on any of my reading lists.Take my advice and don't bother buying this book, if you have an ounce of intelligence, you will come away saying "why did I waste my time with reading this".
Rating: 
Summary: valid point, but terrible to read
Review: The main statement of this book is that execution is not addressed sufficiently as a factor of success in business.
Consequently the authors set about to change that.
Unfortunately, their execution is pretty bad, it's writing is boring, with no cohesion, and lacking true genuine insights.
I'd advise against buying this book.
Rating:
Summary: Doesn't stand the test of time
Review: An opportunistic manager who looked like a genius until the economy turned.Look at the merged Honeywell/Allied Signal today.
Rating:
Summary: Not Innovative
Review: I guess after reading From Good to Great, I read this book, and it was a major disappointment. Where Good to Great gave you data and a ton of great examples from many companies, this book gave you their personal examples, and no data. If you are in the top two bands at a Fortune 100 business, this might help. But for the rest of us, I would recommend other books. Also, for those who are looking for a roadmap, this book does not have it. It provides very general guidance.
Rating: 
Summary: Execution: Soon to be a classic
Review: This is an excellent guide for those who want to improve the results of their business.
Rating: 
Summary: Leadership for the real world
Review: Reading "Execution" and pondering its theses is a lot like listening to your mother telling you to eat your broccoli: There are other things you'd rather have, but in your heart you know it's the right thing. Much of "Execution" is plain old common sense; to move a business forward, everyone from the CEO downward needs to work to make things happen. A refreshing departure from the fuzzy style of most leadership books, "Execution" is invaluable for up-and-coming business leaders of all stripes, though its focus is primarily senior management in very large organizations. Some readers will find that Bossidy and Charan spend a lot of time re-stating the obvious. For every "ah-ha!" moment this book presents, there are at least two "well, duh!" moments. But in light of many of the problems facing businesses today, the obvious bears repeating. Others will find that "Execution" barely scratces the surface of a highly complex series of topics, and will want a greater diversity of business cases. Much time is spent fawning over Jack Welch at the expense of other, equally deserving business leaders. To that end, a sequel or a companion workbook would be helpful. But for getting managers thinking about their jobs in a new and beneficial light, "Execution" accomplishies its goal admirably. Much like broccoli!
Rating:
Summary: hm yes, I guess doing is as important as imagining...
Review: I tend to be a thinker, not a doer, so this book was very helpful for me. The book is basically an anti-Dilbert book. Its main thesis is: don't try to make people do things that can't be done, don't make them do things that don't make sense, but for things that can be done and needs to be done, make sure you have people do it. If they don't, nail them for it. Simple. Don't overpromise, and deliver what you promise. The revelation part is: it's not the vision part that's hard - it's the execution!
Rating: 
Summary: Great Title but Lacking Execution
Review: I would have to agree with a previous review that this book could be better. Bossidy and Ram, do not get into any type of detail on how to get things done. Bossidy must have more personal experiences he could have shared with us. The one-two punch with Larry and RAM doesn't work well at all. Solid concepts but lack of execution!
Rating:
Summary: Actively manage the culture of execution . . .
Review: This book, Execution, by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan is recommended by my CEO Roundtable, so we're in to it now! According to the dust jacket: "Larry Bossidy is one of the world's most acclaimed CEOs, a man with few peers who has a track record for delivering results. Ram Charan is a legendary advisor to senior executives and boards of directors, a man with unparalleled insight into why some companies are successful and others are not. Together, they've pooled their knowledge and experience into the one book on how to close the gap between results promised and results delivered that people in business need today." We will undoubtedly pull this book apart by the paragraph and page in the CEO Roundtable, but I couldn't wait to finish it between meetings. Bossidy and Charan give us great insight into how we can transform our business culture to be one of continual execution. Practical examples and case studies are provided, along with pithy sayings that will help us get the point across to our peers, managers, and employees. Bossidy states that: "Here is the fundamental problem: people think of execution as the tactical side of the business, something leaders delegate while they focus on the perceived 'bigger' issues. This idea is completely wrong. Execution is not just tactics-it is a discipline and a system." The layout of the book, and its progress is logical and very helpful. The first part is dedicated to why execution is needed, the second to the building blocks of execution and the third part is dedicated to the three core processes of execution. This last and perhaps most practical section of the book defines the three core processes as people, strategy and operations. The integration of these processes into a coherent set of business processes is key to the success of an organization. "The discipline of execution based on the three core processes is the new theory of leadership and organization distilled from practice and abbreviation." Clear and concise writing, a few well placed graphics, and an obvious passion for the subject make this an excellent book for the Management Library. It will be among my reference volumes for some time to come.
Rating:
Summary: sounds simple, but is extremely difficult
Review: Having read what other reviewers commented about the book, I wanted to give a different opinion. Management is not rocket science - it is even more difficult. It is difficult because it demands to treat human behaviour like rocket science. When you are analyzing a formula, it is easy to put your finger on the obvious error and eliminate it. Once you are dealing with people emotions interfere. Therefore the demand on rigour and discipline to manage an organization well can not be overestimated. This book really points a spotlight on this aspect of management like no other I have read so far.
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