Chapter 11
Life-Altering Principle #5
The Altar of Jack's Cathedral
Control your own destiny or someone else will.
—Jack Welch
Jack Welch, the chairman and CEO of General Electric from 1981 to 2001, is renowned for creating a world-class organization through his disciplined approach to management, intuitive decision-making, and ability to bring out the absolute best in his team. His innovative business ideas took GE from a market worth of $14 billion in 1981 to $410 billion in 2001, making it the most valuable company in the world.
Many of Welch's concepts for running a successful business can have an equally profound impact when applied to your personal choices. After all, you're the CEO of your life; think of it as You, Inc.
To achieve success in all aspects of your life, run it like a Fortune 500 company. For example, have an operational plan that drives your key decisions, day-to-day interactions, and selection of team members. Without a clear focus on goals, you'll make poor decisions that lead to frustration and unhappiness.
Like a corporation, you're split into divisions. You have a personal life, which includes friends and family. You have a business life, which generates your income. You have a leisure life, which includes your hobbies. And you have a spiritual life, which keeps you centered. Each division has its own set of operating procedures.
A key reason for Jack Welch's success was his ability to keep each corporate division focused on his overall vision for the ...
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