Robert H. Waterman Jr.

Easton Press Robert H. Waterman Jr. books

In Search of Excellence (Part of 2 volume set including A Passion for Excellence by Tom Peters) - Signed Limited Edition - 2003

 

Robert H. Waterman Jr. biography

Robert H. Waterman Jr. was an influential American management consultant, author, and academic, best known for his collaborative work on organizational effectiveness and management theory. Born on October 23, 1931, in Evanston, Illinois, Waterman dedicated his career to understanding and improving the dynamics of large organizations. After earning his bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from Cornell University in 1953, Waterman went on to complete his MBA at Stanford University in 1957. He began his professional journey at General Electric (GE), where he quickly rose through the ranks, gaining valuable insights into corporate operations and management practices. Waterman's breakthrough came in the 1970s when he joined the prestigious consulting firm McKinsey & Company.

It was during his tenure at McKinsey that he collaborated with Tom Peters and Richard Pascale on what would become one of the most influential management books of all time, In Search of Excellence: Lessons from America's Best-Run Companies, published in 1982. The book, which emphasized the importance of organizational culture, employee empowerment, and customer focus, struck a chord with business leaders worldwide. Waterman and his co-authors identified eight core principles that characterized excellent companies, including a bias for action, closeness to the customer, and autonomy and entrepreneurship. Following the success of In Search of Excellence, Waterman continued to contribute to the field of management consulting and writing. He co-authored several other books, including The Renewal Factor: How the Best Get and Keep the Competitive Edge and What America Does Right: Learning from Companies That Put People First.

Throughout his career, Waterman remained committed to helping organizations achieve peak performance by fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. His insights and principles continue to influence management thinking and practices globally, making him a revered figure in the world of business and leadership. Robert H. Waterman Jr. passed away on November 1, 1996, but his legacy lives on through his pioneering work, which continues to shape the way businesses operate and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.