The atmosphere in the room is electric…the energy palpable! In a theater-in-the-round, town-hall setting there are 70 leaders on bleachers seated around Bill Hybels interviewing Jack Welch—live and in-person. Every person’s leaning in to the conversation fully engaged, devouring every word, taking notes as fast as they can. It’s obvious to each of us in the room, there’s real chemistry between Jack and Bill as they banter back and forth!With unbridled enthusiasm Jack declares, “A leader has to be authentic—full of passion about what he or she is trying to accomplish…the job of the leader is to always raise the intellectual power in the room because it always makes you smarter. Problem is: too many times we hire dopes!”
The interview continues, “My biggest failure? First, Bill, let me say: I’ve made a million mistakes…but looking back, I’d say I never moved fast enough. Regarding strategic decisions, I can’t remember ever thinking ‘I wish I had waited longer.’ Most leaders are victims of moving too slow. We need to help people in our organizations have the self-confidence in their gut to do things…when they think they have the answer…”
As you would expect, Bill and Jack spent considerable time talking about managing staff and the critical importance of “differentiation,” a Welch concept that can stir up a level of controversy. Without any hesitation Welch boldly stated,
While you’re sorting that out, a closing thought: In my opinion this session alone is worth the price of The Global Leadership Summit 2010…believe me, you’ll want to lean in to this one!
By: Steve Bell
EVP Events, Membership, Church Relations
Laughter erupts. Welch again: “Valuable meeting time is often wasted with too many power point slides and people droning on…people don’t say what they think and little is getting accomplished. At GE we fought desperately to get people to tell us what they really think!”
The interview continues, “My biggest failure? First, Bill, let me say: I’ve made a million mistakes…but looking back, I’d say I never moved fast enough. Regarding strategic decisions, I can’t remember ever thinking ‘I wish I had waited longer.’ Most leaders are victims of moving too slow. We need to help people in our organizations have the self-confidence in their gut to do things…when they think they have the answer…”
As you would expect, Bill and Jack spent considerable time talking about managing staff and the critical importance of “differentiation,” a Welch concept that can stir up a level of controversy. Without any hesitation Welch boldly stated,
“In organizations hallway whisperers are deadly…leaders must stop the meeting after the meeting!”
After hearing this statement, I couldn’t help but imagine the difference it would make in our churches if all of the “meetings after the meeting” suddenly ceased.
Think about it: how do you suppose such a happening would impact your particular culture?
While you’re sorting that out, a closing thought: In my opinion this session alone is worth the price of The Global Leadership Summit 2010…believe me, you’ll want to lean in to this one!
By: Steve Bell
EVP Events, Membership, Church Relations
Willow Creek Association
Photo by Randy Coleman, courtesy of Prolifik Films
Steve-
ReplyDeleteI was so excited to hear about how the Jack Welch interview went. I think Jack's quote it right on- in any organizational culture "hallway whispers are deadly".
It's up to each of us to make the decision to stop. Stop the hallway conversations. Stop the meetings after the meeting.
If an organization could do one thing to build trust in its culture- I think it would be this: to stop the side conversations after the meeting.
Thanks for the post.
I was one of the 70 who witnessed the Welch interview. What a gift!
ReplyDeleteOnce the interview began I forgot the cameras were rolling because Mr. Welch's answers were candid, practical, brilliant and hilarious. He may be retired but his brain shows no sign of slowing down, lucky for us.
After the interview I thought "What a home run interview for Summit leaders" No kidding. Budget now for the 2010 DVD because this interview will be a Leadership CLASSIC!
PS. Eat lots of brain food before this session, you'll need every bit of focus to keep up with Mr. Welch.
See you at the Summit!