Innovation Without Borders: Shatter the ‘Not Invented Here’ Mindset

Jack Welch’s leadership during his tenure at General Electric (GE) has faced fair criticism, particularly for his overemphasis on financial engineering and short-term shareholder value over long-term investments in research and development. This scrutiny has intensified in recent years, especially following the challenges seen in other companies like Boeing, evidenced by the issues with its 737 MAX product line. However, amidst these concerns, some aspects of Welch’s management playbook remain worthy of emulation by other managers.

From Closed Doors to Open Minds: Jack Welch’s Approach to ‘Not Invented Here’ at GE

Upon assuming the role of CEO in 1981, Jack Welch wasted no time in addressing deep-rooted cultural issues within GE. Drawing from his intimate understanding of GE’s internal dynamics and bureaucratic hurdles, Welch was determined to transform the company into an environment where meritocracy and innovation thrived, regardless of the source of ideas.

One significant obstacle was the pervasive “Not Invented Here” (NIH) syndrome, wherein GE teams believed that good ideas could come only from within. Across GE, managers disregarded external ideas, even from other divisions within the company, stifling innovation and teamwork.

To counteract this mindset, Welch advocated for a culture that welcomed external ideas. He formed teams tasked with studying successful strategies employed by companies like Ford, Dell, and HP, and sought input from leaders at other notable firms such as AlliedSignal and Cisco. One famous instance of this approach was Welch’s adoption of Six Sigma, a quality management technique developed by Motorola, which he seamlessly incorporated into GE’s practices.

Beyond Boundaries: Winning with External Ideas

Welch cultivated an environment at GE where employees were urged to observe and glean insights from competitors, fostering a culture of continual improvement and adaptability. He placed special importance on simplifying processes and making decisions swiftly.

Idea for Impact: Innovation isn’t about being a trendsetter just for the sake of it. Instead, embrace the idea of being a proud copycat! Swipe those great ideas from the top players in the game and don’t forget to give credit where it’s due. After all, success often comes from embracing the brilliance of others.