Good Power by Ginni Rometty Summary

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• “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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.