On Monday, I started reading Competitive Strategy, by Michael Porter. I caught the train to work, and I like to read during the journey. I’ve had the book on my shelf for quite a few years, ever since I pinched it from my Dad. It’s a 1980 copy from when he did his MBA.
I’d briefly scanned it ages ago, but this is the first time I’ve really attempted to read it. So far, I’m impressed. I’m only 20 pages or so in, and already Porter has shown that he really knows his stuff. No wonder the book is a classic.
My favourite bit is how he takes the time to point out the realities of the world, rather than hiding being purist economic dogma. I’ve heard so many managers spout hollow interpretations of his work in clichéd phrases, demonstrating that not only have they never read the book, they also don’t understand what he was on about.
He even admonishes the reader to read the whole thing! He actually says that even if parts of it don’t seem to apply to you, it’s still good to know, because it might apply to your competitors. Awesome!