Welch: An American Icon Hardcover - 2001

First line

Business reporters from every imaginable news outlet rushed to a hastily convened press conference at General Electric Corporation's New York City offices in the former RCA Building.

From the jacket flap

"As the most widely admired, studied, and imitated CEO of his time, Welch has enriched not only GE's shareholders but the shareholders of companies around the globe."--Fortune magazine

Of all the outstanding business leaders of our time, none can boast the almost universal respect-awe, even-that Jack Welch receives from colleagues and competitors alike. As the Chairman of General Electric, he has transformed the company into a Goliath of the new economy with his unique management style, forward-thinking approach, and inspiring leadership. Welch: An American Icon delivers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how this man has become a global symbol of brilliant management, shedding new light on the tactics, style, and personality of the man who made GE a dominating force in world business.

Frank yet balanced and fair, financial writer Janet Lowe explores the shining successes as well as the darker aspects of Jack Welch's life and work-how he shaped and influenced GE, how he pushed the company into the global marketplace, and how his vision is impacting the lives of everyone everywhere.

Welch: An American Icon reveals the steps Welch took to make GE the world's most valuable company with a market capitalization that exceeded $520 billion in 2000. You'll learn how he restructured the company by reducing the work force to only the absolute minimum necessary. Then find out how he mobilized his personal drive and energy to improve the different businesses within GE, committing to globalization and integrating the Internet into every aspect of the company.

However, Welch's leadership came with a price tag. From disgruntled employees to numerous scandals to egregious salaries and a running battle with environmentalists, many cite Welch as a particularly dangerous role model for American business.

Whatever your opinion of Jack Welch, Welch: An American Icon offers an engaging look at his rise to the top and details a philosophy that every leader should know.

Media reviews

Citations

• Booklist, 05/15/2001, Page 1715
• Choice, 10/01/2001, Page 354
• Library Journal, 06/01/2001, Page 179
• Publishers Weekly, 04/30/2001, Page 72
• Reference and Research Bk News, 08/01/2001, Page 100