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A startup can utilize Gerstner's vision of unity and a strong services arm for growth by focusing on integration and unity within the company. Instead of breaking the company into separate units, the startup can strive to keep the company together, leveraging the strengths of each unit to provide a comprehensive service. This approach allows the startup to meet a valuable need in the market by being an integrator, offering a complete solution rather than individual pieces. This strategy requires strong leadership and a clear vision, as well as the ability to resist industry pressures to specialize or break apart.
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From the beginning, Gerstner's vision in a united IBM with a strong services arm was at the forefront of his leadership. One of the first decisions he made upon coming into IBM was the decision to keep IBM together rather than sell off the individual business units. Industry analysts suggested that IBM would be able to best realize shareholder value by breaking apart and showing their cards with their more valuable units. However, in a world where there were endless companies offering "puzzle pieces" but few players willing and able to be the "integrator," Gerstner knew IBM would meet a valuable need by staying together and playing that role. He was confident in his position because of his previous experience being an IBM customer as head of American Express and later RJR Nabisco.
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Learn from one of the best turnaround leaders of our time, Lou Gerstner of IBM. Take a page from Gerstner’s playbook on how to reinvigorate a quickly...
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