Only Leaders Need Apply    Linda M. Northrop   Software Product
Lines   In 1981 Jack Welch assumed the position of CEO at
General Electric (GE). He quickly unveiled an aggressive
strategic redirection that transformed GE into 14 distinct
businesses focused on three "strategic circles": core
manufacturing, technology-intensive businesses, and services.
[Tichy 89] He coupled his business overhaul with an initiative
to revitalize the work force. He was passionate about his
vision, and he relentlessly drove it to completion. But he
didn't stay at the vision and strategy level of organizational
management; he got involved in GE daily operations. In fact he
never hired a chief operating officer (COO) despite the
immensity of the enterprise he ran. He interacted directly with
GE workers at all levels. He believed in his staff, listened to
them, and gave them abundant feedback. He made them part of his
solution, and embraced their good ideas. He broke down the walls
between managers and subordinates. He was intereste