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Shift: Inside Nissan's Historic Revival
In Shift, Carlos Ghosn, the brilliant, audacious, and widely admired CEO of Nissan, recounts how he took the reins of the nearly bankrupt Japanese automotive company and achieved one of the most remarkable turnarounds in automotive—and corporate—history.
When Carlos Ghosn (pronounced like “phone”) was named COO of Nissan in 1999, the company was running out of gas and careening toward bankruptcy. Eighteen short months later, Nissan was back in the black, and within several more years it had become the most profitable large automobile company in the world. In SHIFT, Ghosn describes how he went about accomplishing the seemingly impossible, transforming Nissan once again into a powerful global automotive manufacturer.
The Brazilian-born, French-educated son of Lebanese parents, Ghosn first learned the management principles and practices that would shape his decisions at Nissan while rising through the ranks at Michelin and Renault. Upon his arrival at Nissan, Ghosn began his new position by embarking on a three-month intensive examination of every aspect of the business. By October 1999 he was ready to announce his strategy to turn the company around with the Nissan Revival Plan. In the plan, he consistently challenged the tradition-bound thinking and practices of Japanese business when they inhibited Nissan’s effectiveness. Ghosn closed plants, laid off workers, broke up long-standing supply networks, and sold off marginal assets to focus on the company’s core business. But slashing costs was just the first step in Nissan’s recovery. In fact, Ghosn introduced changes in every corner of the company, from manufacturing and engineering to marketing and sales. He updated Nissan’s car and truck lineup, took risks on dynamic new designs, and demanded improvements in quality—strategies that quickly burnished Nissan’s image in the marketplace, and re-established the company in the minds of consumers as a leader in innovation and engineering.
Like the best-selling memoirs of Jack Welch, Lou Gerstner, and Larry Bossidy, SHIFT is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to transform and re-create a world-class company. Written by one of the world’s most successful and acclaimed CEOs, SHIFT is an invaluable guide for business readers everywhere.
When Carlos Ghosn (pronounced like “phone”) was named COO of Nissan in 1999, the company was running out of gas and careening toward bankruptcy. Eighteen short months later, Nissan was back in the black, and within several more years it had become the most profitable large automobile company in the world. In SHIFT, Ghosn describes how he went about accomplishing the seemingly impossible, transforming Nissan once again into a powerful global automotive manufacturer.
The Brazilian-born, French-educated son of Lebanese parents, Ghosn first learned the management principles and practices that would shape his decisions at Nissan while rising through the ranks at Michelin and Renault. Upon his arrival at Nissan, Ghosn began his new position by embarking on a three-month intensive examination of every aspect of the business. By October 1999 he was ready to announce his strategy to turn the company around with the Nissan Revival Plan. In the plan, he consistently challenged the tradition-bound thinking and practices of Japanese business when they inhibited Nissan’s effectiveness. Ghosn closed plants, laid off workers, broke up long-standing supply networks, and sold off marginal assets to focus on the company’s core business. But slashing costs was just the first step in Nissan’s recovery. In fact, Ghosn introduced changes in every corner of the company, from manufacturing and engineering to marketing and sales. He updated Nissan’s car and truck lineup, took risks on dynamic new designs, and demanded improvements in quality—strategies that quickly burnished Nissan’s image in the marketplace, and re-established the company in the minds of consumers as a leader in innovation and engineering.
Like the best-selling memoirs of Jack Welch, Lou Gerstner, and Larry Bossidy, SHIFT is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to transform and re-create a world-class company. Written by one of the world’s most successful and acclaimed CEOs, SHIFT is an invaluable guide for business readers everywhere.
232 pages, Paperback
First published December 28, 2004
67 people are currently reading
1057 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 5, 2019
Regardless of what the media portrays of this guy, I personally think he is a genius who saved a dying company and turned it into a three company auto powerhouse (eventually with Renault, Mitsubishi , Nissan) producing close to 10 million auto units annually. His management experiences believe are applicable to everyone in a corporate, and is especially relevant to companies facing distress and management in a global environment - Ghosn is French/Lebanese but successfully turned around a predominantly Japanese company. How? That’s the beauty of the book
June 18, 2020
How Nissan Motors bounced back in the 2,000's!
I was lucky to have found this book before when I was searching for a proper business book on Nissan, since I had difficulty finding another accurate book of this kind and was unable to use Amazon to order a copy due to my own circumstances at the time. "Shift" is a remarkable account on the success story of rescuing a failing automobile brand from its potential obscurity.
The story is told from the perspective of the former Nissan CEO himself: Mr. Carlos Ghosn. After an introduction on his early life, Mr. Ghosn describes how he was selected at Nissan Motors in the late 1990's for the particularly challenging task of helping the company gain its positive reputation back, amidst poor reception of Nissan by both customers and and industry at the time.
At the turn of the new millennium, he unleashed his plan to revive Nissan's popularity with a complete rebranding as well as heavy diversification of operations, all of which are explained very well and with accuracy in detail. Mr. Ghosn's optimistic tone throughout the book makes for a very pleasant read and greatly emphasizes his love for the company that he worked hard on saving and growing.
Regardless of how the world views him at the time of this writing, one cannot deny that Mr. Ghosn had the magic touch with Nissan Motors and speedily helped the company recover and prosper to heights never before seen before in their history. Kudos to him for revealing how he successfully carried out his mission with Nissan; the methods he talks about in the book are great examples to be followed by business leaders around the world. Recommended reading for business!
I was lucky to have found this book before when I was searching for a proper business book on Nissan, since I had difficulty finding another accurate book of this kind and was unable to use Amazon to order a copy due to my own circumstances at the time. "Shift" is a remarkable account on the success story of rescuing a failing automobile brand from its potential obscurity.
The story is told from the perspective of the former Nissan CEO himself: Mr. Carlos Ghosn. After an introduction on his early life, Mr. Ghosn describes how he was selected at Nissan Motors in the late 1990's for the particularly challenging task of helping the company gain its positive reputation back, amidst poor reception of Nissan by both customers and and industry at the time.
At the turn of the new millennium, he unleashed his plan to revive Nissan's popularity with a complete rebranding as well as heavy diversification of operations, all of which are explained very well and with accuracy in detail. Mr. Ghosn's optimistic tone throughout the book makes for a very pleasant read and greatly emphasizes his love for the company that he worked hard on saving and growing.
Regardless of how the world views him at the time of this writing, one cannot deny that Mr. Ghosn had the magic touch with Nissan Motors and speedily helped the company recover and prosper to heights never before seen before in their history. Kudos to him for revealing how he successfully carried out his mission with Nissan; the methods he talks about in the book are great examples to be followed by business leaders around the world. Recommended reading for business!
February 2, 2020
كتاب التحول ، النهوض التاريخي لشركة نيسان يقدم فيه كارلوس غصن تجربته الشخصية للنهوض بشركة نيسان التي كانت على وشك الانهيار، يبدأ الكتاب بتقديم نبذة شخصية عن الكاتب و من ثم مسيرته العملية في مختلف الشركات بدءاً من شركة ميشيلين لصناعة الاطارات و انتهاء بتحالف رينو-نيسان .
تجربة انقاذ شركة/مؤسسة من التعثر يسردها كارلوس بكل تفاصيلها المهمة و بالخصوص الجوانب التي يغفل عنها كبار المسؤولين و القيادين ، يتطرق لصعوبة البيئة اليابانية و تعقيد قيمها و بيروقراطيتها و كيف ان كل تلك العقبات كانت سبباً لما عانته نيسان من انهيار.
ينسب الفضل في انقاد الشركة لغصن بعد أن رسم خطة استراتيجية محكمة على اعلى المستويات حتى اصغرها، وجوده في الميدان و ارض العمل، احتكاكه المباشر بالموظفين و العمال ، تغييره لنظام الحوافز،الغاءه لنظام الترقي بالاقدمية و الوظيفة مدى الحياة. حتى أن اصعب القرارات التي اتخذها و هي اغلاق المصانع و تسريح عدد كبير من العمال يقدمها على انها اخر الحلول التي لجأ لها لانقاد نيسان من الغرق.
في الكتاب مجموعة كبيرة وقيمة من المبادىء الادارية و القيادية التي لم اجدها في كثير من الكتب التي تنظر للقيادة و الادارة بنظريات مختلفة، حيث ان الامر مختلف هنا لأن غصن صاحب تجربة عملية فهو ينطلق من التجربة و من ثم يرسم النظرية ، فتجد ما يكتبه منطلقاً من واقع تجربة بها الكثير من التفاصيل و العقبات و اساليب تجاوزها.
تقييمي للكتاب رائع جداً و يستحق القراءة.
عبدالله عواجي
٢ فبراير ٢٠٢٠
تجربة انقاذ شركة/مؤسسة من التعثر يسردها كارلوس بكل تفاصيلها المهمة و بالخصوص الجوانب التي يغفل عنها كبار المسؤولين و القيادين ، يتطرق لصعوبة البيئة اليابانية و تعقيد قيمها و بيروقراطيتها و كيف ان كل تلك العقبات كانت سبباً لما عانته نيسان من انهيار.
ينسب الفضل في انقاد الشركة لغصن بعد أن رسم خطة استراتيجية محكمة على اعلى المستويات حتى اصغرها، وجوده في الميدان و ارض العمل، احتكاكه المباشر بالموظفين و العمال ، تغييره لنظام الحوافز،الغاءه لنظام الترقي بالاقدمية و الوظيفة مدى الحياة. حتى أن اصعب القرارات التي اتخذها و هي اغلاق المصانع و تسريح عدد كبير من العمال يقدمها على انها اخر الحلول التي لجأ لها لانقاد نيسان من الغرق.
في الكتاب مجموعة كبيرة وقيمة من المبادىء الادارية و القيادية التي لم اجدها في كثير من الكتب التي تنظر للقيادة و الادارة بنظريات مختلفة، حيث ان الامر مختلف هنا لأن غصن صاحب تجربة عملية فهو ينطلق من التجربة و من ثم يرسم النظرية ، فتجد ما يكتبه منطلقاً من واقع تجربة بها الكثير من التفاصيل و العقبات و اساليب تجاوزها.
تقييمي للكتاب رائع جداً و يستحق القراءة.
عبدالله عواجي
٢ فبراير ٢٠٢٠
Want to read
February 18, 2017كتاب مهم فى المجال الذى تسعى اليه
April 6, 2023
One of the best auto business books that I have read.
Carlos Ghosn, writes about his rise from a supplier to the CEO of a large multinational conglomerate.
This book is still a treasure trove 20 years later for those looking at inspiration for Turnaround strategies or building synergies between strategic partnerships.
I am in one such phase in my work and this book clicked well for me.
Particularly the naming of various catchy strategies like NRP or Nissan 180 or Nissan Value Up.
Carlos Ghosn, writes about his rise from a supplier to the CEO of a large multinational conglomerate.
This book is still a treasure trove 20 years later for those looking at inspiration for Turnaround strategies or building synergies between strategic partnerships.
I am in one such phase in my work and this book clicked well for me.
Particularly the naming of various catchy strategies like NRP or Nissan 180 or Nissan Value Up.
June 7, 2025
Shift written by the CEO of Nissan in 2005 tells the story of how Renault and Nissan formed their partnership to redefine both companies creating a global powerhouse. Both Renault and Nissan were struggling companies in the late 1990’s with Nissan struggling more. Renault wanted a way to expand its market share in the face of the “merger of equals” between Daimler and Chrysler that turned out to be anything but. Renault had a VP that had come from the tire industry to rise through the ranks who was the obvious choice to lead Nissan. His plan for Nissan centered around cutting costs, boosting productivity and retaining as much of the culture as possible. He was largely successful, and the dominance of Nissan today is a testament to his work. This book is straightforward with lots of thought provoking insight into how to handle mergers as well as the auto industry in general. Well worth a read if either of those topics catch your eye.
October 27, 2019
Not bad
Pretty decent and straight forward overview of Nissan/Renault. I would have preferred fewer management platitudes and more detailed information about the alliance. For the brevity, there was a decent amount of detail, but I would have preferred a longer book if it afforded more granular information.
Pretty decent and straight forward overview of Nissan/Renault. I would have preferred fewer management platitudes and more detailed information about the alliance. For the brevity, there was a decent amount of detail, but I would have preferred a longer book if it afforded more granular information.
July 20, 2022
Although the story of Carlos Ghosn in Nissan did not end well, the book contains practical knowledge about global management. It also contains a deep look into how managers thought about globalization and technological trends at the time. History shows that many managerial axioms of the time end up being wrong.
May 16, 2024
4/5
This guy is an industrial genius and many lessons can be learned from him. His observations are astute and the language is easy-to-understand but at the same time elevated. Then ending though did feel like promotional literature but I guess that was to make it known that the journey isn't over and that there is room for improvement.
This guy is an industrial genius and many lessons can be learned from him. His observations are astute and the language is easy-to-understand but at the same time elevated. Then ending though did feel like promotional literature but I guess that was to make it known that the journey isn't over and that there is room for improvement.
November 13, 2021
Most of the book is really about Carlos Ghosn and his career more than about Nissan's revival.
There are good insights into the final few chapters focusing on his time at Nissan. Overall I don't feel that is enough to make a great book.
There are good insights into the final few chapters focusing on his time at Nissan. Overall I don't feel that is enough to make a great book.
Read
January 14, 2021Great book!
July 20, 2013
This should be required reading for any college business curriculum. It should be recommended reading for high school students who might aspire to fit into business or personal skill building beyond their high school years.
Most of this has been taught in individual segments of information in business schools for at least the last 40 years. This book provides a very concise assimilation of an actual experience where practice of some theories has met with success.
I would like to see a follow up book written to shed some light on the long term success or failure of aspects of the Nissan restructuring and the Japanese/Chinese connections established by Renault. It would be particularly interesting to see what impact the world financial crisis of '08 might have had on operational strategies and alliances.
Most of this has been taught in individual segments of information in business schools for at least the last 40 years. This book provides a very concise assimilation of an actual experience where practice of some theories has met with success.
I would like to see a follow up book written to shed some light on the long term success or failure of aspects of the Nissan restructuring and the Japanese/Chinese connections established by Renault. It would be particularly interesting to see what impact the world financial crisis of '08 might have had on operational strategies and alliances.
May 30, 2014
According to me People read autobiography to get inspired. And people write Autobiography when they have achieved a point where they feel their life is worth discussing (or after a resounding success when all's well). Carlos Ghosn's Shift unfortunately didn't check both boxes for me.
The book seemed like a lot like a boasting COO's "How I always knew it would succeed" narrative. It preaches a lot more than engages the reader.I'm not sure how much of it is attributed to my knowledge that Ghosn failed miserably after the revival.
Book for B-school aspirants maybe.
The book seemed like a lot like a boasting COO's "How I always knew it would succeed" narrative. It preaches a lot more than engages the reader.I'm not sure how much of it is attributed to my knowledge that Ghosn failed miserably after the revival.
Book for B-school aspirants maybe.
April 17, 2014
I learned about Carlos Ghosn while watching the documentary “Revenge of the Electric Car” and he comes across as the type of manager which, when it comes to getting things done, he takes no prisoners. His book Shift – Inside Nissan’s Historic Revival, argues a good point – with the right resources, willingness to succeed and a rock solid plan, even the most hopeless corporate situations care make the case for an impressive turnaround.
June 30, 2014
A very good autobiography/ history/ management book about the state of Nissan when Ghosn entered and how he decided to transform the company.
The Renault culture versus the Nissan culture is very interesting, so is the history of the auto sector, Renault's failures, the cyclicality of the auto sector.
Cultures of a country and that of a company were great writes.
Had originally read this book in 2006/7 may be. Glad I read it again.
The Renault culture versus the Nissan culture is very interesting, so is the history of the auto sector, Renault's failures, the cyclicality of the auto sector.
Cultures of a country and that of a company were great writes.
Had originally read this book in 2006/7 may be. Glad I read it again.
April 3, 2018
The amazing story of how Carlos Ghosn, a guy from the Ghosn's family in Lebanon, has turned the tide to Nissan's favour through a difficult time in the industry. A great book about his career and adventures in the automobile industry.
Read
July 7, 2020كتاب ملهم ومهم لرواد الأعمال خصوصا، قصة كفاح ونجاح رائعة
من حافة الانهيار الى قمة الانجاز.. رائع
الكتاب أشبه بسيرة ذاتية
لمن يبحث عن الكتاب تجده هنا
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من حافة الانهيار الى قمة الانجاز.. رائع
الكتاب أشبه بسيرة ذاتية
لمن يبحث عن الكتاب تجده هنا
https://jamalon.cake.aclz.net/?a=424&...
October 23, 2021
كتاب سلس و ليس معقد
معلومات مفيدة فى علم الادارة تأتيك بشكل متسلسل و شيق مع الكثير مع راى شخصى للكاتب.
فى بعض المواقف، يطغى التكرار لبعض المبادئ و المواقف على احداث الكتاب.
فى المجمل كتاب جيد.. و كان من الممكن تقليص حجمة بإزالة اللحداث المكررة.
معلومات مفيدة فى علم الادارة تأتيك بشكل متسلسل و شيق مع الكثير مع راى شخصى للكاتب.
فى بعض المواقف، يطغى التكرار لبعض المبادئ و المواقف على احداث الكتاب.
فى المجمل كتاب جيد.. و كان من الممكن تقليص حجمة بإزالة اللحداث المكررة.
November 1, 2023
الكتاب جيد، ليس أفضل ما يمكن أن يكتب عن تجربة بعمق واهمية تحالف نيسان و رينو ، لكنه جيد على كل حال، هو كتاب سيرة ذاتية عملية لكارلوس غصن، والترجمه للعربية لم تكن افضل ما يكون بظني المتواضع، لكنها تبقى معقولة.
August 21, 2007
Interesting look into how Le Cost Killer helped Nissan get back on its feet. Also includes extensive info on his early life.
February 10, 2008
While the author of this book is undoubtedly a great C.E.O,this is one of the worst books i have read.Poorly written and so boring .Carlos Ghosn can do better.
January 21, 2009
If you want to understand Nissan and what makes them different from Honda or Toyota, read this book. A little dry, but good info.
August 15, 2009
Terpaksa di baca setelah di paksa membaca...
April 8, 2010
قصة نجاح ..و سيرة ذاتية
قد تحمل بعض اشارات الاستفهام . ولكنها برأيي تستحق القراءة
قد تحمل بعض اشارات الاستفهام . ولكنها برأيي تستحق القراءة
November 7, 2012
Very interesting, inspirational and motivational book, gives leaders an example of how to change.
January 1, 2016
A good read on organizational transformation
November 4, 2015
I am a big fan of Carlos Ghosn and was really impressed by the success of his restructuring strategy. Many great best practices could be extracted from this book and applied in different contexts.
Read
March 21, 2016ابننتل
December 21, 2020
كتاب جميل جدا ومناسب للعاملين في الشركات والمهتمين باستراتيجيات التحول والتطوير حيث يذكر الكاتب تجربته العملية ناقلاً خبراته وتجاربه للقارئ.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews