I have been thinking about how Jeff Immelt—who I remember being interviewed by Bill Hybels at the 2014 Global Leadership Summit (vimeo.com/128173175)—ended up not being a successful CEO of G.E. (). Do we listen to people prematurely? Or was he unlucky?
"This person is successful! They are CEO of a large company! Learn about leadership from them!"
7 years later: "This person took their company into the ground. They had repeated poor judgment and execution and integrity! I would not trust what they have to say!"
Lesson here?
7 years later: "This person took their company into the ground. They had repeated poor judgment and execution and integrity! I would not trust what they have to say!"
Lesson here?
I learned a lot about leadership from Jack Welch, Jeff Immelt's predecessor ... at least I think I did. Or did Welch just get lucky?
Fame and success can be fleeting!
You shouldn't name something after someone who is still alive because they still have time to disappoint you.
Fame and success can be fleeting!
You shouldn't name something after someone who is still alive because they still have time to disappoint you.
G.E. was known as the premier leadership and management development corporation under Jack Welch in 2001. But sixteen years later, it was seen as a disappointment—destroyed by bad leadership and management. Was the reputation wrong? Or were they just unlucky? How the mighty fall!
Who do we put on a pedestal and say: "Listen to them?" I am not cynical about hearing the opinions of the seemingly successful and accomplished. I'm interested in what they have to say. But I have also seen enough rapid descents to take what they say with a grain of salt.
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