I'melt's General Path -- Welch's Relay Baton

Author: Wu Hongyuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-02-01
Features: "When 9/11 happened, I had just been in office for four days, and the whole world changed. The economy was in a recession, and the financial system also underwent changes. My goal was to lead GE into the 21st century, so I had to lead the company with my personal personality and style. I wouldn't follow Jack's old path, and I didn't want to be compared to Welch." Three years ago, Immelt faced a tricky question: should he stand on the shoulders of giants or hide in their shadows? The issue was whether he could keep the giant GE moving forward rather than dragging its feet. Three years later, "Why do people always say how Jack (Welch) is, and how Jeff (Immelt) is, can't I do better than him?" Immelt demonstrated confidence, ambition, and decisiveness through his undeniable achievements.