Brief book review: The Lean Startup
Opinion: This book represents sublimated composition of scientific approaches for optimization in manufacturing (pioneered by Toyota) and author’s personal experience in software product development and its related methodologies (i.e. Agile). It is primarily intended for entrepreneurs, but I would argue that many would benefit out of it, particularly special kind of corporate employees – so called Intrapreneurs.
First thing that couth my eye was author’s way of transferring otherwise boring and dry topics into interesting and fun reading experience. Whole book was written in easy to understand language without the use of scientific or technical phrases – it was intended for wider audience. Narrative follows author’s experience (negative and positive) of developing a Silicon Valley, software product startup, that was ahead of its time.
The book covers concepts of startup management, innovation delivery, business strategy, and many more along with helpful tools that can be easily applied or modified. He emphases the use of adequate “Engine of Growth” and KPI metrics for constant monitoring of performances, with necessary pivots in case of stagnation or decline. It’s structured in three parts and 14 chapters, intelligently positioned to follow the flow of narrative, and can also be used as study material with chapters being referenced to, and back, to one another, with additional materials for further exploration.
In closing thought I would recommend this book to everyone how works in a startup and particularly in a corporate environment which cherishes entrepreneurial mindset, because it will give you an insight into how things can be done in a different, contemporary way, better suited for 21st century. Enjoy!
Book author: Eric Ries; Pages: 299