Applying the Hersey and Blanchard's leadership theory, there are four different leadership styles (telling, selling, participating and delegating) and four maturity levels of the follower (M1: unable and unwilling; M2: able but unwilling; M3: unable but willing; M4: able and willing). A lot of Welch's employees were willing and able due to his hiring and training procedures, therefore delegating would be his leadership style. The employees want to succeed as much as Welch since they have stake in the corporation. Welch successfully uses all four areas of the model as he is able to determine the readiness of his followers.
As for what Welch will do next, he intends to play a lot of golf and consider teaching an occasional business course, but he has no intention of amassing corporate directorships. Clearly, he will miss the job, the action, and the fun, however, he stated he will not be around at GE. (Byrne p. 12)
Will anyone ever be able to run the company with the power and influence of Jack Welch? Don't count on it.
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