In this 207-page book, Don Hastings weaves a tale with much of his own life’s story and the trials and tribulations of The Lincoln Electric Co. Each of the 55 short chapters presents interesting tales that trace his rise from salesman to CEO and chairman of the board. The writing style is comfortable and easy reading. The book was an entertaining and interesting read. It should also be noted that his daughter, Leslie Anne Hastings, helped with the excellent writing and editing. It is unusual for a “nitpicker” like me to not find any typos. Throughout the chapters, when the frequent phrase “Then I had an idea” appears, Hastings presents a management teaching tip that will be of help to the reader. He tells it like it is, the good and the bad. Managers will find a lot of good advice that will help them in their own careers. Of particular interest to me was his observations and comments about work styles, especially about pampered European managers. I, too, had similar impressions of European work styles but mine were about engineers. Hastings presents a clear description of the economic climate as it changed during his employment with Lincoln Electric. It is abundantly evident that he admired the ethics and management style of the Lincoln brothers James F. and John C. He refers to them as JF and JC. There is a sense toward the end of the book that he is not happy with current management trends. He believes there is too much bottom line concern and not enough JF and JC concern about the employees. Here are a few of Hastings’s management opinions. The parenthetical numbers refer to the page where you can find more information. 1. There is no substitute for the value of personal selling. (50) 2. People buy from people, not just companies. (49) 3. The public sector unions and the politicians they’ve paid for have done more to damage our cities than any other force. (80) 4. Manufacturing minus sales equals scrap. (89) 5. Be Imaginative, Creative, and Innovative (I-C-I). (91) 6. A satisfied workforce means less supervision, higher quality, and as a result, greater profits. (119) 7. Troops don’t respond well to a morose and despairing commander. (153) 8. Although vision is critical to the overall success of any endeavor, it is even more critical to make sure those who are to execute it know what it is. (169) 9. It really is possible to do well and do good simultaneously. (178) 10. Thinking ahead and having creative solutions is what management is all about. (185) The book identifies a great many individuals who were involved in this tale of welding industry growth. If there is to be a reprint or revision, it would be helpful if Hastings added a name index for reader convenience. You will enjoy reading this book while at the same time learning about some helpful management techniques. BOOK REVIEW 76 WELDING JOURNAL / APRIL 2015 WJ BY AUGUST F. MANZ Behind the Mask Embrace Risk and DARE to Be Better is by Donald F. Hastings, chairman emeritus, The Lincoln Electric Co., and Leslie Anne Hastings. Copyright 2014 by Donald F. Hastings. ISBN hardcover 9781499071276; softcover 9781499071283; and eBook 9781499071290. To order, contact Xlibris LLC at (888) 7954274, www.xlibris.com, and orders@xlibris.com. For info, go to www.aws.org/adindex
Welding Journal | April 2015
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