Comments

Immelt for President!

It just amazes me that America breeds so many people of such raw talent and vision, but that so few of them get anywhere near the Whitehouse.

Sorry to all for reducing this to a political observation but, as Tom says so eloquently, "If you ain't into politics, then you ain't into getting things done."

For the sake of clarity, my point is that the CEO of GE can see the value in being environmentally aware (and building a world-beating business on its principals), but George W Bush can't.

Maybe Immelt will sign the Kyoto Protocol.

Posted by Matt at May 25, 2005 12:36 PM

I listened to Jack Welch speak here in Boston a few weeks ago where he made a very interesting comment that has stuck with me. I didn't take detailed notes, but it was along the lines of: "We didn't just use 6 sigma to just improve our processes, we used it to transform our culture." Sounds like Jeff is looking to use re-imagining in the same sort of way.

Based on their prior success with 6 sigma, I think we can expect to see great things from the folks in Fairfield.

Posted by Paul McManus at May 25, 2005 12:48 PM

When I worked at Bally Manufacturing in Chicago, we were beset upon by some ex-GE execs that supposedly got caught in an unsuccessful coup attempt there and then fled to Bally where they were welcomed with open arms... After riding the company down under their tutelage, we came to refer to GE as the abbreviation for 'Good Enough'.

Posted by Steven J. Ackerman at May 25, 2005 12:49 PM

From over here in England I don't feel qualified to say whether Mr Immelt will succeed or not but it looks like he 'talks a good fight' so I hope he succeeds. He has a difficult act to follow of course.

One comment from me is that it would be really wonderful to see CEO's over here and over there advocating the value in business of the power of story telling, dreaming and other lovely 'soft' words rather than yet more of the old and tired complex and 'hard' clumsy process type words - please keep it simple.

Why not use words we all understand instead of management jargon that only managers understand

I wish Mr Immelt well

He could do worse than issue every manager at GE with a copy of 'Re-Imagine' and make it compulsory reading as part of the job description with bonus payments for implementing one idea a week from the book - just a thought Juli Ann :-)

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 25, 2005 6:51 PM

The thing I love about GE is that it's a conglomerate so there is plenty of opportunity for taking risks without having to bet the company.

Hal Geneen said: "The secret of the conglomerate is simple: It's a network of resources that you can use where you need them. The most important resource is human - managers trained to solve problems. In some areas, you may have to hold the line because the market isn't with you. In others, you can push ahead because the market is hot."

GE can minimize its risk by spreading it across a portfolio of businesses where a single industry company is "more vulnerable to the vagaries of the marketplace and the dislocations of the economy."

I can't think of a better laboratory for what Mr. Immelt is aiming to do. I'm also jealous as hell! Like Mr. Geneen said: "If risk is a bucking bronco, a conglomerate is the best way to enjoy the ride."

Posted by Noel Guinane at May 26, 2005 4:51 AM

Trevor,
I am fully in agreement with you on your request for us to keep things simple. I too hate the jargon and random invention of words that goes with management. People used to say that it's an American thing, but as you know,over here in the UK, jargon is just as rife. Banish the jagoneers!! I also agree with your comments on the power of the "soft" stuff. Engage the heart and the head will not only follow, but find a way to make the dreams happen.

Posted by fredd kambo at May 26, 2005 8:29 AM

Simplicity is the Key Fred - thanks :-)

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 26, 2005 11:42 AM