Play Nice But WinRecommendations
About the book
In 1984, soon-to-be college dropout Michael Dell hid signs of his fledgling PC business in the bathroom of his University of Texas dorm room. Almost 30 years later, at the pinnacle of his success as founder and leader of Dell Technologies, he found himself embroiled in a battle for his company’s survival. What he’d do next could ensure its legacy—or destroy it completely.
Play Nice But Win is a riveting account of the three battles waged for Dell Technologies: one to launch it, one to keep it, and one to transform it. For the first time, Dell reveals the highs and lows of the company's evolution amidst a rapidly changing industry—and his own, as he matured into the CEO it needed. With humor and humility, he recalls the mentors who showed him how to turn his passion into a business; the competitors who became friends, foes, or both; and the sharks that circled, looking for weakness. What emerges is the long-term vision underpinning his success: that technology is ultimately about people and their potential.
More than an honest portrait of a leader at a crossroads, Play Nice But Win is a survival story proving that while anyone with technological insight and entrepreneurial zeal might build something great—it takes a leader to build something that lasts.
People recommending Play Nice But Win
What readers say about ‘Play Nice But Win’
Jamie Dimon on Play Nice But Win
“"Provides a powerful portrait of his life—the early years, the obstacles and challenges, the successes and triumphs."”
Richard Branson on Play Nice But Win
“"Takes us on a riveting journey from the dorm room at the University of Texas to the boardroom of one of the world’s largest tech companies."”
Howard Schultz on Play Nice But Win
“"Has insights for leaders at every stage, from entrepreneur to CEO."”
Walter Isaacson on Play Nice But Win
“"A fast-paced tale of launching a public company, taking it private, and then taking it public again."”
Bill Gates on Play Nice But Win
“"Walks you through every step of his journey, from starting a company in his college dorm to pulling off the largest all-tech acquisition in history."”
Satya Nadella on Play Nice But Win
“"Tells his story, that of his iconic company and the grit required to compete in the ever-growing technology industry."”
Malcolm Gladwell on Play Nice But Win
“"The quietest of the entrepreneurs who created the modern computer business finally tells his story.'"”
Eric Schmidt on Play Nice But Win
“"Tells you how to be successful and true to your values in this awe-inspiring narrative of what it takes."”
Adam Grant on Play Nice But Win
“"The saga of how one of the great founders of our time launched his company, grew it, got it back, and rejuvenated it."”
Sheryl Sandberg on Play Nice But Win
“"As much a story about resilience as it is about business."”
Marc Benioff on Play Nice But Win
“"Shares his incredible journey as founder and CEO of one of the most iconic and admired tech companies."”
Matthew McConaughey on Play Nice But Win
“"An autobiographical thriller, and Michael Dell is the gangster protagonist."”
Ray Dalio on Play Nice But Win
“"Takes you into the real world of building and transforming an empire."”
Marc Andreessen on Play Nice But Win
“"An incredible window into what it’s like to be in a founder’s shoes, and the difficult work of growing a company."”
