Table of Contents
Eight chapters exploring how Google built one of the most innovative companies in the world.
Lessons Learned from the Front Row
How Eric Schmidt's front-row seat at Google shaped his understanding of a new kind of company.
Pages 8–25 Chapter 1Culture — Believe Your Own Slogans
Building a culture driven by smart creatives, not traditional hierarchy.
Pages 26–57 Chapter 2Strategy — Your Plan Is Wrong
Why your business plan is wrong, and how to build on technical insights.
Pages 58–97 Chapter 3Talent — Hiring Is the Most Important Thing You Do
Why hiring is the most important thing, and how to find passionate talent.
Pages 98–157 Chapter 4Decisions — The True Meaning of Consensus
Data-driven decisions, meaningful consensus, and knowing when to act.
Pages 158–199 Chapter 5Communications — Be a Damn Good Router
Default to open, master email, and be a relentless information router.
Pages 200–253 Chapter 6Innovation — Create the Primordial Ooze
Creating the environment where innovation thrives organically.
Pages 254–319 ConclusionImagine the Unimaginable
Thinking big, imagining disruption, and the future of smart creatives.
Pages 320–355Interactive Simulators
Hands-on tools to apply the principles from How Google Works to your own organization.
Culture Assessment
Evaluate your organization's culture against Google's principles.
📐Strategy Builder
Build a strategy based on technical insights and platform thinking.
👥Hiring Pipeline
Design a peer-based hiring process for smart creatives.
⚖️Decision Framework
Practice data-driven decision making and consensus building.
📡Communication Router
Map information flows and practice being a good router.
🧪Innovation Lab
Create the primordial ooze for innovation in your organization.