Why is GE so successful?
CEO Jeff Immelt says that you either get out ahead of new trends or you get stomped by them. GE is so successful because for more than 100 years it has been a world leader in getting ahead of trends. In fact, Immelt understands the importance of environmental issues and global warming. He sees green in the future, so GE is developing technology to be a world leader in clean energy. He is one of the leading advocates of government-mandated caps on carbon emissions because he knows caps are coming, and GE is going to be in front of the issue.15 Sustainability requires leadership development. GE is known as the company that develops leaders. It is commonly stated that more executives from GE have developed leadership skills and then gone on to become CEOs of other major firms than from any other company, with hundreds more who have gone on to hold senior corporate positions.