Jack Welch Leadership in Action
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Executive Summary
In their 1997 book 'The Leadership Challenge: How to Keep Getting Extraordinary Things Done in Organizations', J.M. Kouzes and B.Z. Posner identified five key practises of exemplary leadership:
Challenge the process
Inspiring a shared vision
Enabling others to act
Modelling the way
Encouraging the heart
The leadership success of Jack Welch (CEO of General Electrical (GE) Company from 1981 2001) serves as an excellent example of the theories of Kouzes and Posner. Welch changed the structure and culture of the company and transformed GE into an even more profitable multi-national success fully prepared for the changing environment of the modern business world
Welch challenged the process through the dismantling of the bureaucracy and formality embedded at GE.
A shared vision was inspired through informal round table discussions with staff and clear definitions of success
Welch enabled other to act by empowering those who brought him an idea to take it and make it work.
By tearing down the corporate 'walls' were and people could express their ideas and thoughts freely, and talking frequently and informally to employees of all levels, Welch modelled the way for his other executives.
'Encouraging the Heart' was possibly the part of leadership Welch enjoyed most. He created a winning culture where clear standards were set, and victories were celebrated...