When Bob Lutz retired from General Motors in 2010, after an unparalleled fortyseven-
year career in the auto industry, he was one of the most respected leaders in
American business. He had survived all kinds of managers over those decades: tough
and timid, analytical and irrational, charismatic and antisocial, and some who
seemed to shift frequently among all those traits. His experiences made him an
expert on leadership, every bit as much as he was an expert on cars and trucks.
Now Lutz is revealing the leaders—good, bad, and ugly—who made the strongest
impression on him throughout his career. Icons and Idiots is a collection of shocking
and often hilarious true stories and the lessons Lutz drew from them. From
enduring the sadism of a Marine Corps drill instructor, to working with a washed-up
alcoholic, to taking over the reins from a convicted felon, he reflects on the
complexities of all-too-human leaders. No textbook or business school course can
fully capture their idiosyncrasies, foibles and weaknesses – which can make or break
companies in the real world.
Lutz shows that we can learn just as much from the most stubborn, stupid, and
corrupt leaders as we can from the inspiring geniuses. He offers fascinating profiles
of icons and idiots such as…
Eberhard von Kuenheim. The famed CEO of BMW was an aristocrat-cum-street
fighter who ruled with secrecy, fear, and deft maneuvering.
Harold A. “Red” Poling: A Ford CEO and the ultimate bean counter. If it couldn’t
be quantified, he didn’t want to know about it.
Lee Iacocca: The legendary Chrysler CEO appeared to be brillant and bold, but was
often vulnerable and insecure behind the scenes.
G. Richard “Rick” Wagoner: The perfect peacetime CEO whose superior
intelligence couldn’t save GM from steep decline and a government bailout.