HBR IdeaCast IBM’s Ginni Rometty on Skill-Building and Success
10 snips
Mar 7, 2023 
Ginni Rometty, former chairman and CEO of IBM, is a trailblazer in promoting skills over traditional degrees in hiring practices. She reflects on her personal journey, influenced by her mother’s resilience and adaptability. Rometty champions a 'Skills First' approach to recruitment, emphasizing inclusivity and continuous learning in the workforce. She discusses the importance of long-term strategic planning in business transformations and introduces the concept of 'good power' to foster positive societal change. Her insights inspire a shift towards nurturing talent in tomorrow's economy.
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Rometty's Mother's Resilience
- Ginny Rometty's mother, with limited education, took courses in accounting and computing after her husband abandoned the family.
- This allowed her to climb the career ladder and gain financial independence, inspiring Rometty.
Learning by Doing and Observing
- Early in her IBM career, Rometty spent a Sunday learning a client's software, showcasing her commitment to hands-on learning.
- She also improved her communication skills by studying others and diagramming their presentations.
Promoting Continuous Learning
- Leaders should encourage continuous learning by fostering curiosity and a willingness to learn among team members.
- They should provide opportunities for growth, rewarding and promoting based on skill development.
