“GE’s model is nuts. Firing bottom 10% every year, then hiring them back as consultants.”
I’ve seen the ranking system eliminate some very good people who were not good at office politics. The schmoozers did well, especially if they were in a protected class. In the 90’s it normally took a lot of merit to hold on or advance, became much more “political” after Welch retired. Welch had a great internal training system that developed leadership such that as he prepared to retire there were 3 main contenders - the two “losers” going on to head Boeing and Home Depot. Lots of talent at all levels have left GE for better positions elsewhere when they didn’t fit the political model, and GE has paid the price.
Yeah, Bob Nardelli was not a good fit for Home Depot.
GE laid me off, along with everyone else in my office, so they could move our whole division to India. Why should any American consumer have any brand loyalty to a company that has no loyalty to the American worker?