I was interested in a post at BusinessPundit.com by Rob May, The New Rules: Fortune Takes a Shot At Jack Welch which describes how Fortune magazine revisited the Jack's book, Winning, and is questioning whether or not Jack’s rules still hold true.
Fortune challenged the notion “If applied correctly, Welch contends, his rules can work forever.”
And they concluded… “The risk we now face is applying old solutions to new problems.”
Equally interesting is Rob’s challenge to Fortune on the same topic. He said, “And with all due respect to Fortune, their "new rules" aren't really so new.”
It seems to me that the "rules" for setting up a hierarchy such as GM uses, are suspect at best… Perhaps… the time is finally ripe for leaders to come together as a diverse collective ... who create a series of guidelines rather than “rules”…. I'm thinking of clear inclusive directives that can change and grow with a changing market.
Why not rework the best of Jack Welch’s wisdom about how to diversify, focus on innovation, have fun, create team players, create a learning culture and cultivate leaders. Also, I’d love to see us all practice more of his guidance to get rid of bureaucracy, manage less, and eliminate boundaries.
The point is, why cut one person’s offering to add in the best from others? Instead… why not cut some of the old... to make room for improved and more relevant parts from the new. Rather than See Jack Welch or Fortune as the enemies, I'd prefer to use some of the strategies they each suggest. It's time to speak a new language into the new markets we face, and to draw from diversity we missed in past.
I suggest listen more to customers, clients and shareholders about what to keep and what to ditch. Rob's blog, leads the way here and his expertise too helps us to WIN in new ways, by creating entry points for a new dialogue. In addition, I found myself interested to hear more of Rob May's wisdom on what works, because from his writing it's evident he has innovated ideas that are much needed with so many shifting horizons.
I cannot believe that Jack Welch or Fortune editors would disagree. If I was asked ... I’d like to see some insights from each at the table as ringers! Then, I’d hope they would also consider tactics that benefit more people and business from cutting edge brain based insights. What would you add to the guidelines for quality leadership?
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