The Open Organization
by Jim Whitehurst · first published 2015
71% recommend29% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Describes Red Hat's open, collaborative culture and the leadership style Whitehurst developed moving from Delta to Red Hat. Useful for managers and engineers wanting examples of how culture shapes motivation.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
"This is a story of reinvention. Jim Whitehurst, celebrated president and CEO of one of the world's most revolutionary software companies, tells first-hand his journey from traditional manager (Delta Air Lines, Boston Consulting Group) and "chief" problem solver to CEO of one of the most open organizational environments he'd ever encountered. This challenging transition, and what Whitehurst learned in the interim, has paved the way for a new way of managing-one this modern leader sees as the only way companies will successfully function in the future. Whitehurst says beyond embracing the techn
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I like Whitehurst and have had the chance to meet him a few times. If you want to understand his ethos check out "The Open Organization". It details his transition from Delta to Red Hat and the transformation of his leadership style being around a lot of smart engineers and team players ready to constructively challenge each other. Good…
on “Jim Whitehurst to step down as IBM President” ↗Never use the word "manager" again. Instead, prefer "leader". If you are somewhere where the team needs to be managed then there are better jobs out there. Buy and read Jim Whitehurst book The Open Organization before your interview and actualize the information in that book. Recall times you put into practice the things that are mentioned in the book (good and bad).
on “Ask HN: How to prepare for an Engineering Manager interview?” ↗I would recommend reading the Open Organization by Jim Whitehurst to get example of how process affects employee motivation.
on “GM self-driving tech unit Cruise laying off about 8% of staff” ↗For Red Hat, you can check out "The Open Organization" which details the culture that Red Hat espouses: https://www.redhat.com/en/explore/the-open-organization-book
on “Ask HN: Recommendations on books and documentaries on tech companies/people?” ↗…strategic decisions is up to him but if you have read anything from him you’ll know he seeks to improve excellence within to then champion externally. He did this with Red Hat before IBM. His book, The Open Organization is still relevant.
on “John Riccitiello steps down as CEO of Unity after pricing battle” ↗…previously at IBM, but originally CEO of Red Hat. He joined IBM after they acquired it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Whitehurst He wrote a book about open source software while running Red Hat, The Open Organization: https://www.redhat.com/en/explore/the-open-organization-book He is an MBA, but he got his undergraduate degree in CS from Stanford.
on “John Riccitiello steps down as CEO of Unity after pricing battle” ↗Extra: "The Open Organization Book Series" https://opensource.com/open-organization/resources/book-seri...
on “5 things you won't learn from the Open Organization Leaders Manual” ↗