The GE Way Fieldbook: Jack Welch's Battle Plan for Corporate Revolution : Book Review

"The GE Way Fieldbook: Jack Welch's Battle Plan for Corporate Revolution" written by Robert Slater is a comprehensive guide that explores the strategies and leadership principles used by the renowned former CEO of General Electric, Jack Welch. In this book, Slater provides a deep understanding of Welch's remarkable career and the obstacles he faced while transforming GE.

The book highlights the key principles and tactics that Welch implemented to turn the company into a global powerhouse. Through the use of real-life examples and case studies, Slater effectively demonstrates how Welch's approach, including his focus on continuous improvement and building a winning team, contributed to GE's success.

What sets this book apart is its practicality. Slater introduces the concept of the "GE Workout," a systematic problem-solving and decision-making approach that was instrumental in GE's transformation. He offers step-by-step instructions on how to implement this approach in any organization, making it a valuable resource for business leaders and managers aiming to improve their operational efficiency.

Furthermore, "The GE Way Fieldbook" serves as a valuable resource for employees at all levels within a company. It provides practical advice on career development, such as tips on building meaningful relationships, taking ownership of projects, and managing personal growth. This emphasis on personal development and empowerment aligns with Welch's philosophy of creating a culture of accountability and excellence in organizations.

In conclusion, Robert Slater's "The GE Way Fieldbook" is an extensive and practical guide that presents the strategies and leadership principles behind Jack Welch's success at GE. It serves as a valuable resource for business leaders seeking to adopt Welch's revolutionary approach and achieve transformative change within their own organizations.

What are readers saying?

"The GE Way Fieldbook" by Robert Slater has garnered a range of opinions from its readers. Some reviewers found the book to be a valuable resource for understanding the principles and practices of General Electric (GE). They appreciated the format of the fieldbook, which enabled them to easily apply the concepts to their own work situations. These readers found the book to be informative and well-structured, providing practical examples and insights into how GE achieved its success. They commended Slater for his clear and engaging writing style, which made it effortless to delve into the content.

However, there were those who expressed disappointment with the book, suggesting that it offered no new or groundbreaking information about GE. These reviewers felt that the content was repetitive and lacked depth, thus failing to provide sufficient substance to justify its purchase. They also criticized the book for seemingly glorifying GE's triumphs without critically examining its failures, which they considered a drawback.

Several readers also questioned the book's relevance to individuals outside the business world. They felt that the content was too industry-specific, making it less accessible and applicable to individuals in other fields. They suggested that the book would have benefitted from including more diverse case studies to appeal to a broader audience.

Despite these mixed reviews, many readers agreed that "The GE Way Fieldbook" could serve as a valuable tool for studying GE's management and leadership practices. It provides valuable insights into the company's strategies and offers actionable advice for implementing similar approaches in different organizational settings. However, it may not appeal to those seeking groundbreaking ideas or a critical analysis of GE's practices.