Among the thousands upon thousands of companies all over the world, General Electric positions itself as one of the most successful businesses. And one of the main reasons behind this success is a CEO who not only transformed G.E. into the “world’s most competitive enterprise” but also the way that the business world perceive and perform the leadership roles. This is what Robert Slater’s book is all about. Slater’s (2009) Jack Welch and the G.E. Way provide its readers access to the leadership secret of General Electric’s Jack Welch. More than this, the book provides the readers with leadership principles as well as standards that they apply in their own businesses and even career and personal life.

As the title implies, this book mainly revolves in the innovative leadership strategy of Jack Welch. While many see G.E. for its current success, many are unware that years ago, the company was in fact suffering from both financial and leadership stump. Lagging way behind and being eaten alive by its competition, the company tries its best to keep its head above waters until Welch came to the rescue. Using unconventional methods, Welch approached the tired company and revived it to become the strongest and leading company in the United States. Central to this success are essential business and leadership principles: (1) business is simple, (2) don’t make it overly complicated, (3) face reality, (4) don’t be afraid of change, (5) fight bureaucracy, (6) use the brains of your workers, and (7) discover who has the best ideas and put those into practice. These principles remind us about the different lessons in the course, particularly the business theories which can be applied to any business regardless of the industry or field.

While these tips are pretty simple and straight forward, these principles in my perspective are something that can be applied to any business. For example, the first philosophy of Welch which BUSINESS IS SIMPLE is something speaks to many businesses and companies. This is because there are times when a company tries its hardest to excel. And as they try their hardest, many business leaders have the tendency to overthink as well as complicate things when in fact, business is actually simple. This message reminds the readers to always go back to the basic which is quality and excellence in every aspect of the business. This is what he exactly did for G.E. – he de-complicated things. From a very complex organization, Welch developed a simpler program which in turn made the company into a simpler and much effective organization. Rather than having numerous units, he made sure that the business fit into three main categories. This includes core business, high-tech business, and services. As a result, the company became much more efficient.

Another leadership principle that I think is very help is the tip about change. Many companies, especially old ones tend to reject change and innovation. Instead they continue to do what they do even if the times call for a new process, new product, or a new service. It is true that change can be quite scary. However, the book reminds us to not be fearful of change. Welch tells the readers to look at change not as threat but as an opportunity – opportunity for new ideas, new products, or new business. As such, it is essential for business leaders to teach their employees and co-workers to always be accepting and open to change.

An equally important message in the book is about leading my energizing others. This for me, is something that most leaders have a trouble accepting. There are without a doubt, no shortage of managers who act as boss rather than a leader. Slater in his book, reminds the readers that leadership does not equate to control nor command. Instead, leadership is position which must inspire and motivate people to achieve the organization’s goal. Welch refers to his leadership as “boundaryless” which involves an open organization where people, ideas, and decisions flow freely. At the same time, Welch places a premium on inspiring others by making employees passionate about what they do. And central to this concept is the motivation theory which maintains that humans respond best when they are motivated. In fact, part of his strategy includes opening the lines of communication which involves speaking formally and informally to employees regardless of their rank. But more than this, he reminded each of his employees the role that they play in the overall success of the organization.

In my perspective however, the most important and perhaps most valuable lesson that I got from the book is to NEVER STOP LEARNING. This principle, in my view, is something that can be applied, not just in business but also in real life. Learning allows us to see things in a new perspective and at the same time allows us to improve. In the same way, this business tip reminds the readers to remain humble and not be arrogant by assuming that you know everything. Instead, Welch reminds us that learning means creating, nurturing, and most important improving oneself.

To sum, Slater’s book serves as a reminder for both business leaders and students alike. This book, in my view, is a good read mainly because the principles that it would like to convey is not only simple to understand but it is something that not only business people can appreciate. In other words, the book is not geared for business people alone. Instead it is a book which teaches the reader about the importance of leadership role and how it affects an individual even after he has left the walls of his office.

Reference

Slater, R. Jack Welch and the G.E. Way: Management Insights and Leadership Secrets of the

Legendary CEO. NY: McGraw Hill, 1998