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With dearth of activities to-do, Covid presented an opportunity to knock at covers of rusty old half-read books. Part of things ‘you always wanted to do but never had time for.’ On lighter note, I believe it is euphemism for overrated things (reading complete book, cooking meals anyone?) you would never do if life is in full swing. So, I took out this autobiography by greatest manager of last century. Jack Welch – the guy who led GE from crisis no one knew they were in and converted it into global giants of 1990s. Sure businesses and people have changed a lot from what it was 30 years back. But I found the book to be as much a learning experience as it was engrossing.
Being autobiography, the book portrays righteous view of self, relations and businesses of Welch. But in most cases, Welch explains his side which won’t sound like defense or justification. He was not that kind of person. What world perceived as Neutron Jack (firing 10% worse performers each year), he calls it an unapologetic way of managing people (you manage your stars well and give reality check to others who can improve elsewhere).
Book covers extensively on his early days in GE, how he managed to climb ladder and how he got the ‘big job’. This is inspiring part. Then there is a lot of discussion on change. He spearheaded change in the culture (making it less bureaucratic, boundaryless, learning driven, customer centric) and businesses (famous “Be first or second in any business – if not then fix, sell or close). You get great insights into some of largest acquisitions, growth of GE Capital, NBC story (broadcasters of Seinfeld, Friends, ER among others), Honeywell story (failed merger). He also lays down four initiatives – globalization, services, 6 sigma and e-commerce. E-commerce is interesting as it brings perspective of old guard during 1990s internet revolution. Resistance to change and then emracing and then flourishing. Finally, book ends with how Jack Immelt was selected as next CEO and a great chapter on “What this CEO business is all about.” I would say this is one chapter you would want to reread.
Jack was a great leader and a great personality. Learnings from book will stay with me forever and will aid in shaping my views on leadership and organizations. Fundamentals of his style which focus of managing people and resources are relevant in any time period especially in troubled and uncertain times like these. I take away that change is not something to be afraid of, but on contrary something which one should always strive-towards and actively-seek. Leading change needs thorough understanding of ‘now’ and relevant vision for ‘now-to-come.’
Don’t laugh at our misery from up there, Jack Welch!
Being autobiography, the book portrays righteous view of self, relations and businesses of Welch. But in most cases, Welch explains his side which won’t sound like defense or justification. He was not that kind of person. What world perceived as Neutron Jack (firing 10% worse performers each year), he calls it an unapologetic way of managing people (you manage your stars well and give reality check to others who can improve elsewhere).
Book covers extensively on his early days in GE, how he managed to climb ladder and how he got the ‘big job’. This is inspiring part. Then there is a lot of discussion on change. He spearheaded change in the culture (making it less bureaucratic, boundaryless, learning driven, customer centric) and businesses (famous “Be first or second in any business – if not then fix, sell or close). You get great insights into some of largest acquisitions, growth of GE Capital, NBC story (broadcasters of Seinfeld, Friends, ER among others), Honeywell story (failed merger). He also lays down four initiatives – globalization, services, 6 sigma and e-commerce. E-commerce is interesting as it brings perspective of old guard during 1990s internet revolution. Resistance to change and then emracing and then flourishing. Finally, book ends with how Jack Immelt was selected as next CEO and a great chapter on “What this CEO business is all about.” I would say this is one chapter you would want to reread.
Jack was a great leader and a great personality. Learnings from book will stay with me forever and will aid in shaping my views on leadership and organizations. Fundamentals of his style which focus of managing people and resources are relevant in any time period especially in troubled and uncertain times like these. I take away that change is not something to be afraid of, but on contrary something which one should always strive-towards and actively-seek. Leading change needs thorough understanding of ‘now’ and relevant vision for ‘now-to-come.’
Don’t laugh at our misery from up there, Jack Welch!
