RETURING TO GE HEADQUARTERS at FAIRFIELD AFTER 27 YEARS..my REFLECTIONS!

July 2009 I returned to visit GE's headquarters in Fairfield Connecticut for the first time that I left in 1983. It was a strange visit since NOTHING changed since I left, except for a security guard at the gate, which didn't exist in 1983 when we were all safe.

Everyone was very pleasant and professional. The lobby had not changed and I was directed to the third floor, which was the home of Reg Jones and Jack Welch when I worked there. I was greeted by a women who said to me" do you remember me?" I hesitated and said I did, but was uncertain, but she told me who she was and I did remember. She then introduced me another women who had also worked at the headquarters when I was the Strategic planner and had worked for one of my associates.

I felt at HOME and that NOTHING had changed since I left more than twenty years ago.

I was directed to the massive reception room, and I was the only guest.

After a short time, Jeff Immelt came out to welcome me. This was the first time I met Jeff personally and he was a delightful host.

Jeff and I had a one half hour visit in his executive dining room and discussed many issues about the company and my experience. He was surprised that I was at CROTONVILLE, now the Jack Welch Learning Center and that I was responsible for introducing BUSINESS SIMULATIONS and leading all of the Strategic Planning programs that was vital to the introducing the company to this vital process.

I left the over one half meeting feeling good about Jeff and his ability to lead the company. I thought he recognized that he had made mistakes and would address them.

I still like Jeff and his values and abilities but have been disappointed that that he had changed and that the strategy is on the right track.

My next discussion will describe my visit to CROTONVILLE and how it has changes when it was the TEMPLE OF CHANGE.

Bill Rothschild...

If you want to learn the complete story of GE's CODE of Success, read my book THE SECRET TO GE's SUCCESS...(a title I protested but was over- ruled by the creative editors of McGraw Hill)..