Level 5 Leaders

Jeffery R. Immelt, Chairman and CEO of General Electric is one shining example of a level five leader. He assumed his current position on September 7, 2001 but his history with GE goes much further back. Mr. Immelt joined GE in 1982,after earning his B.A. at Dartmouth and his M.B.A. at Harvard, and served in many regions of the company including plastics and medical businesses. He worked his way up becoming an officer in 1989 and a member of the capital board in 1997.

Mr. Immelt replaced his predecessor Jack Welch just four days before our country was shaken by the tragedy of September 11th. In the face of national uncertainty Mr. Immelt remained strong and dedicated to his company. His 24 year career with GE gives Mr. Immelt a kind of insider's perspective that allows him to be a more effective leader. Having worked in many sectors of GE Mr. Immelt knows people and has a better understanding of who he needs on his team. He led by example which requires looking introspectively at: your motivations, the actions you're taking, and how you want those actions to affect others. In an interview for an article in the Financial Times he said "I think it is one of those things you cannot give speeches about ...The better thing I can do is lead by example." (Gapper , Roberts). He realizes and puts into practice Jim Collins' concept of being a "plow horse rather than a show horse", "He refers to himself unselfconsciously as 'leader', rather than chairman or CEO"(Gapper , Roberts). His humility partnered with extreme dedication are what allow him to motivate himself and his workers, and to allow the company to grow. He was described by colleagues to be "low key" and not "show business". In a gesture to distinguish his dedication to the company rather than being merely self interested, Mr. Immeld forwent the stock options package that the former CEO had profited greatly from in favor of receiving "performance share units" that are directly tied to company progress and success. He has been quoted as saying " GE is my life. I love GE."(Gapper , Roberts).

Jeffrey Immelt also encompasses he aspect of balance and humility necessary to be a level five leader. He maintains that despite his demanding career he is able to maintain a tight knit family with his wife Andrea and their daughter. To balance the profit and growth driven dynamic of a big company like GE, Mr. Immelt sits on the board of three non profit organizations with causes ranging from advocating women in business to the issue of poverty in New York. The equation of level five leadership requires one part humility added combined paradoxically with a strong professional will; Mr. Immelt possess both of those aspects.

The story of Mr. Immelt's leadership shed a positive light on the quality and possibility of level five leaders. Though there was skepticism about his ability to replace former strong -handed CEO Jack Walsh, Immelt has done so impressively. His story of working up through the company exemplifies the great American success story and his forceful but understanding style of leadership is a hopeful example for future leaders and employees alike. In an article in Fast Company Mr. Immelt describes his own leadership list confirming his qualifications as a true level five leader. In contrast to the pessimistic take on extreme jobs, Mr. Immelt seems to be an example that maybe you can do it all - and do it well.

For More on GE's chairman and CEO Jeffery Immelt:

http://www.ge.com/en/company/news/man_of_the_year.htm
http://www.ge.com/en/company/companyinfo/executivebios/eb_immelt.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_R._Immelt
http://www.forbes.com/finance/mktguideapps/personinfo/FromPersonIdPersonTearsheet.jhtml?passedPersonId=871917
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/81/immelt.html