Jack and Lars Take Center Stage
Last week I had the great fortune of meeting Jack Welch, one of the most important leaders and innovators in the history of business. He keynoted an event hosted by our client SuccessFactors, which makes software that helps companies like T-Mobile, Arrow Electronics, Kimberly-Clark and thousands of others measure, manage and inspire their people.
SuccessFactors CEO Lars Dalgaard and Jack Welch are kindred spirits: two driven individuals who are passionate about shifting the focus of HR from “picnics, newsletters and benefits,” to driving everything a company does at the highest, most strategic level. They were onstage together (along with Carlos Watson) talking shop about management, finding and keeping great people and a host of issues related to management and people.
When asked how he would convince a great talent to join his organization at GE, Jack responded without missing a beat: “Love. Give them a big hug and don’t let go. Forget the phrase, ‘we’ll get back to you.’ That’s just a killer for HR. Don’t do it. Hire the person on spot.” I thought this was an intriguing response from someone who is often viewed as a tough, hard-nosed executive. I could tell Jack Welch has a huge heart and an unwavering passion for what makes companies and people thrive.
Another highlight from the event was SuccessFactory, which is SuccessFactors’ core DNA for making products and running its organization. It’s based on efficiency to the extreme, Kaizen, releasing new products every 30 days, and absolute response and commitment to customer success. Not service, success.
At the beginning of the event, SuccessFactors rolled out three ideas for the next rev of the product and asked attendees to vote on which one they liked. The SuccessFactory development team then huddled in a mock factory to brainstorm ideas and build a prototype. By the end of the three-day conference, the team finished a live prototype for a career exploration applet that will be added to the next rev of the product. Talk about efficiency and responding to customer needs!
All in all the event was a huge success. Lots of happy customers, happy Jack, happy Lars and a lot of good feelings. SuccessFactors is an amazing company and we’re honored to have them as a client as they continue to change the way the world works!