Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World by Ginni Rometty Summary
Overview of Good Power
In "Good Power," former IBM CEO Ginni Rometty reveals how to harness influence for collective good. This Wall Street Journal bestseller offers five principles that transformed her journey from difficult childhood to tech leadership - a blueprint for anyone seeking meaningful impact in an increasingly complex world.
- Redefine power as a force for service-driven leadership, not control or dominance.
- Build belief in teams through co-created visions and transparent communication.
- Steward technology ethically by prioritizing human impact over unchecked innovation.
- Embrace discomfort: growth happens when leading beyond current skills or expertise.
- Shift from commanding to serving using Rometty’s “Being in Service Of” principle.
- Resilient leaders balance enduring values with bold organizational change during crises.
- Hire for skills and learning potential to create diverse, future-ready teams.
- Lead with empathy during tough decisions to maintain trust and transparency.
- Transform adversity into opportunity by anchoring actions in self-awareness and purpose.
- Foster psychological safety by valuing curiosity over conformity in high-stakes environments.
- Align personal growth (“Power of Me”) with societal progress (“Power of Us”).
- Good power thrives when technology addresses inequality, not just profit or efficiency.
About the Author of Good Power
Ginni Rometty, author of Good Power, is a visionary technology leader and former CEO of IBM, renowned for reshaping global business through innovation and ethical leadership.
During her landmark tenure as IBM’s first female CEO, she orchestrated transformative initiatives like the $34 billion acquisition of Red Hat and built a $21 billion hybrid cloud business, cementing IBM’s role in AI and quantum computing.
Good Power merges memoir with actionable insights on leadership, reflecting Rometty’s career-long focus on leveraging technology for societal progress, diversity, and sustainability. A Fortune "50 Most Powerful Women in Business" honoree and Time "Tech Titan," she champions inclusive growth and corporate accountability, themes central to her writing.
Rometty’s leadership drove IBM to divest legacy operations while pioneering advancements in AI ethics and workforce development. Her legacy includes steering one of history’s most storied tech firms through 24 quarters of industry upheaval, leaving a blueprint for resilient, purpose-driven innovation.
FAQs About Good Power
What is Good Power by Ginni Rometty about?
Good Power combines memoir and leadership insights from former IBM CEO Ginni Rometty, redefining power as a force for positive change. It explores themes like resilience, ethical technology stewardship, and collaborative leadership through personal stories and frameworks like the Power of Me (self-awareness), Power of We (teamwork), and Power of Us (societal impact).
Who should read Good Power?
Aspiring leaders, managers, and advocates for ethical tech or workplace equity will find actionable strategies here. Rometty’s journey from adversity to CEO resonates with professionals navigating career transitions, organizational change, or societal challenges like upskilling and inclusive hiring.
Is Good Power worth reading?
Yes—it balances personal storytelling with practical guidance, offering tools like the five principles of good power and insights on leading through crises. Ideal for readers seeking inspiration to drive meaningful change in their careers or communities.
What are the five principles of good power?
Rometty’s framework includes:
- Being in Service Of: Prioritizing others’ growth.
- Building Belief: Inspiring change through empathy.
- Knowing What Must Change: Balancing innovation with core values.
- Stewarding Good Tech: Ethical, inclusive technology use.
- Being Resilient: Persisting through adversity.
How does Good Power redefine leadership?
It shifts leadership from authority to service, emphasizing transparency, emotional intelligence, and collective responsibility. Rometty shares lessons from her IBM tenure, like making tough decisions while fostering trust and inclusivity.
What role does technology play in Good Power?
Technology is framed as a tool for equitable progress, not just profit. Rometty advocates for ethical AI and initiatives like SkillsFirst, which connects marginalized groups to job opportunities through education and hiring reforms.
How does Good Power address societal change?
The Power of Us section urges readers to tackle systemic issues like workforce inequality. Rometty highlights collaborative efforts to create opportunities for underserved communities, aligning business goals with social impact.
What are key quotes from Good Power?
- “How we lead is as important as what we achieve.”
- “Good power is a choice—even without status or wealth.”
These emphasize leading with integrity and empowering others.
How does Good Power compare to other leadership books?
Unlike generic guides, it merges memoir with actionable frameworks, focusing on ethical influence over personal gain. Its blend of IBM case studies and societal advocacy distinguishes it from titles like Lean In or Dare to Lead.
What are criticisms of Good Power?
Some may find its optimistic tone overly idealistic, particularly in addressing systemic corporate or societal challenges. However, its emphasis on incremental, values-driven change offers a counterpoint to skepticism.
How can I apply Good Power principles at work?
- Use Building Belief to align teams with a shared vision.
- Practice Stewarding Good Tech by auditing AI tools for bias.
- Embrace Resilience by reframing setbacks as growth opportunities.
Why is Good Power relevant in 2025?
As AI and workplace dynamics evolve, its focus on ethical tech, equity, and adaptive leadership remains critical. Rometty’s lessons on navigating disruption resonate in fast-changing industries.
What is the SkillsFirst movement in Good Power?
A initiative Rometty led to bridge the skills gap by promoting hiring based on capabilities, not credentials. It partners with companies and educators to create pathways for underrepresented groups into tech and other sectors.
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Key Themes in Good Power
Quotes from Good Power
Time is someone's most valuable asset, and you must give value in return.
The good Lord gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason.
You must be prepared to dance when your team cannot.
Think, prepare, rehearse.
Access to opportunities like education and employment unleashes potential.
Characters in Good Power
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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