In appreciation for the extensive and intense classes we received, I am happy to share some principles and 'morsels' from my application of the sessions - though I doubt this will do them justice. To give much deserved credit where it is due, below is each speaker's bio for further reading. Also, if anyone has questions about the GE-Reagan Scholarship programs or the Leadership and the American Presidency Internships (summer and semester-long) feel free to ask or comment below! The scholarship program, though rigorous, has been an incredible blessing and financial support throughout school. Thank you GE-Reagan Foundation for investing in us!
"...to whom much was given, of him much will be required.." Lk 12:48.
- "Learn how to be a systems-learner and thinker." Do not just learn your field or trade, but learn to connect the dots. Seek to understand how "this" affects "that", what works together, and more importantly why. My immediate mental application is to the world of medicine; albeit the principle is true in many fields. While there is a definite need for specialties in study, understanding how the body (or business) works as a unit, balances each other, compliments or compensates for other parts is absolutely necessary in good management. Anatomy or structure is great, but is not nearly as useful until we understand the interconnected physiology or functions.
- "Take risks; don't follow the rules." Granted he said this with caution in context, because as he will tell you he now gets to make the rules. (Everything is important in context!) Let innovation, not rashness, rebellion or destruction, be the drive behind risks. For example, we are thankful for new ideas such as escalators, while it does not negate the value of stairs.
- "Words are cheap." Watch what people do, not what they say. Be trustworthy. Say less; do more. My mom always told me, "don't restate the problem, find a solution." Honesty is a lost virtue, but even in the workplace, highly valued. I was impressed how much throughout the weekend integrity was stressed. It really is important, no matter how much the world will tell you its ok to get away with. "But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your 'yes' be yes and your 'no' be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation." James 5:12
- "Stay humble and hungry." No matter what position I have, no job is beneath me. Remember where you have come from - and keep growing. As someone once told me you are either moving forward or backward, there is no pause in life. We will always have more to learn and have not "arrived."
- "Mutual accountability = a good team." Be accountable to yourself - and to others.
- "Don't fear criticism." Embrace it; accept it; use it; only give it constructively. One of Jeff's favorite quotes was good to hear again: "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” Teddy Roosevelt
- "It's ok to be scared." For example, after a tragedy it is natural and good to ask questions. These unsettling or apprehensive times are when we stop to think about what to do next.
- How do you spend the first and last hour of your day? (one of my favorite questions that was asked) "Being quiet and taking time to think." For Jeff, his family is his touchstone or reality check.
- "To instill trust, be competent and good at what you do." I think this is true in more than just business and sales or marketing, but also in relationships with friends, co-workers, management, etc... As Jeff said, no one listens to someone who does not even try or acts poorly. You cannot talk your way into trust; you cannot discuss it. You earn it.
- "Be open, not arrogant, but you will have to say no sometimes." For example when it comes to accepting other's ideas, there are usually more ways than your way and the highway. However, the "newness" of a plan does not equate with the effectiveness or value or it. Times will exist when the 'tried and true' is best.
- "Read, network, be curious." The former and latter come easily for me, the networking not so much. As we have all been told as kids, reading opens the doors to the world. It is still true for adults! Keep reading, not because you have to anymore, but because you found something you want to know about. To touch on networking, my first thought is to be genuine. There is nothing like a person who only calls when they want something. Learn to give, not take.
- "Know the art of possibility" while still being a specialty. Think broad! Imagine and be creative!
- "Never confuse good management with tailwind"
- "To keep up or stay at cutting edge in multiple fields: simplify" This sounds ironic, but when you understand the core of all that connects, the big picture can become simpler. Learn what is behind, the source, the needs, then focus.
- "Use your potential." We each have gifts and talents. It takes courage to believe that you have something to contribute whether it be in a discussion or workplace. So, be courageous! Challenge yourself to always do your best.
- "Know what you believe in; feel deeply and know who you are." Transparency is important, as well as being grounded philosophically, emotionally, and spiritually. The values that drive us are there for a reason; do not deny them. While I realize many do not share my frame of reference, I do not believe feelings or desire equate truth. Sometimes our desires influence our thoughts, beliefs, and actions which is not reliable. But if my thoughts and knowledge are based on Truth {God's Word}, then when my changing emotions and feelings are subject or yielded to that Truth which is absolute and unchanging, then I can act upon it with confidence. {1 Pet. 3:15}
Jeffrey R. Immelt is the ninth chairman of GE, a post he has held since September 7, 2001. Mr. Immelt has held several global leadership positions since coming to GE in 1982, including roles in GE's Plastics, Appliances, and Healthcare businesses. In 1989 he became an officer of GE and joined the GE Capital Board in 1997. A couple years later, in 2000, Mr. Immelt was appointed president and chief executive officer. Mr. Immelt has been named one of the "World's Best CEOs" three times by Barron's, and since he began serving as chief executive officer, GE has been named "America's Most Admired Company" in a poll conducted by Fortune magazine and one of "The World's Most Respected Companies" in polls by Barron's and the Financial Times. Mr. Immelt is a member of President Donald Trump’s Committee on American Manufacturing. Under the Obama administration, Mr. Immelt Chaired the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness. He is a member of The American Academy of Arts & Sciences. Mr. Immelt earned a B.A. degree in applied mathematics from Dartmouth College in 1978 and an M.B.A. from Harvard University in 1982. He and his wife have one daughter.