Practical Advice from Jack Welch

Want to Win? Here's Some Practical Advice from Jack Welch

Jack Welch, former chairman and chief executive of General Electric, loves to be heard. After retiring from GE four years ago and publishing an autobiography, he has now written a book on his management philosophy, titled Winning, which he is promoting through frequent speeches and media interviews. But, unlike most prodigious talkers, Welch is hardly boring. He advocates candor and practices it, strenuously.

Last month Welch visited Wharton to speak to students about his book, co-authored with his wife Suzy. In a packed auditorium, he participated in a fireside chat with Knowledge@Wharton, followed by questions from the students. Here are a few samples of the 'Welchisms' heard during the session:

· Distinctions between leadership and managing are "academic hogwash."

· "Don't take a job because your mother wants you to. Don't be a victim. You own your decision."

· "In the end, winning companies are the only thing that sustains societies like ours. Governments create nothing."

Complete article at: Wharton's website

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