Connecting the Dots

"[A] terrific book."

"Connecting the Dots is powerful, penetrating, and unblinkingly personal. With a rich store of behind-the-scenes stories from his remarkable 20 years as CEO, John Chambers shares insights into the people, principles, and playbooks that powered Cisco's growth into a global Internet giant. Here is a must-read on best practices for any manager in any industry."

"By turns practical and insightful, John Chambers' indefatigable spirit, sound judgment, and depth of experience shine through in Connecting the Dots. Throughout his career, Chambers set a standard of leadership and innovation over the better part of 20 years. And these lessons apply to all of us--in business and in life."

"Great leaders are distinguished by the ability to move their society or company from where it is to where it has never been. They act on the basis of a set of core principles, both intangible and inspirational. John Chambers, an accomplished executive in his own right, distills those principles in Connecting the Dots with elegance and common sense."

"I watched John Chambers lead Cisco through massive tech disruptions, countless economic cycles, and scores of acquisitions that killed many of his competitors. This is a compelling story of effective leadership through good times and bad, filled with smart lessons about innovation, team building, and managing creativity. An important and relevant read-I highly recommend it."

"I've always known John Chambers to be wise, and credit him for the business ideas that helped Oracle be successful. With the brilliant insights found in Connecting the Dots, I learned even more that I plan to use. Whether it's how to learn from difficult setbacks, find your courage as a leader, focus on the customer, and so much else, this is a must-read for any business person. A very personal and incredibly engaging book!"

"Explains how Chambers reinvented himself and his company over two decades and shares the leadership strategies that made him one of the last CEOs of a major tech company from his generation to step down."

"If you want to learn from a master of Silicon Valley, then look no further than John Chambers. What he teaches the world's best tech startups today is captured in Connecting the Dots."

"Connecting the Dots is full of tips on everything from setting big goals and beating competitors, to surviving failures....At the age of 69, Chambers now sees dyslexia as one of his super-powers, forcing him to process information differently and allowing him to see patterns; a trait all business leaders must develop."

"Connecting the Dots has some sobering words for corporate America and for our government....Chambers' most pressing worry [is] that we are no longer the world's most innovative country....[Connecting the Dots] also passes on plenty of uplifting takeaways for business leaders of companies large and small."

"Over the years, I've seen John Chambers achieve the virtually impossible, and all by following his blueprint, which he finally reveals in Connecting the Dots. He has done us all a service by making it available, and the smartest thing you could do for yourself and your company is to make it your bible."

"John Chambers shares his secrets for building and leading one of the most innovative and customer-centric companies in the world. This is an invaluable resource for any CEO, entrepreneur, or leader looking to compete in the digital age."