Focus on the Global Economy: IMLPs get up-close and personal with the economic issues facing our world

I’m sure by now everyone is aware of the basics around the many challenges within the global marketplace.   From the struggling US housing market to the global credit crunch to the general lack of liquidity in the market, recent issues have prompted reactions from governments, corporations, and the general populace.  But how did these market challenges, these economic fluctuations, and these environmental shifts emerge?  What are the root causes of these challenges?  What’s the outlook for the future of the global economy?



Normally, discussion of such issues is left to the upper management of an organization to hash out and then to come up with a strategy to counter.  Recently, however, IMLPs were given a behind-the-scenes look into the world of economic analysis and enterprise thinking at GE.  Organized by the IMLP Best Practice Sharing Community, IMLPs from around the world were invited to speak with Laura Salma, Senior GE Economic Analyst and direct report to GE’s CIO.  With nearly a hundred IMLPs on hand from around the world, Laura provided a real learning opportunity by giving everyone an in-depth look into the global economy.

Beginning with the causes of today’s hardships, Laura showed us all how these problems trace back to a wide variety of sources… some dating as far back as a dozen years ago.  She went on to show how these issues grew over time until they culminated in a “perfect storm” of sorts, crippling the economies of countries throughout the world.   Continuing forward, she talked through what’s being done to fix these problems, how GE has been (and will continue to be) affected by the troubles, and what GE’s plan is to continue to deliver into the future, despite this challenging environment.

All-in-all Laura’s presentation and extensive Q&A session gave me and my fellow IMLPs a great understanding of our current economic situation, where it’s going, and how we can best position ourselves and the company to weather the storm.  With IMLP committees, like the Best Practices Sharing Committee, getting us access to such great, knowledgeable people from around the company (like Laura) there’s always something new and interesting to learn.  In fact, next week we’ll get to speak with the CIO of GE Enterprise Solutions about IT and it’s role on the enterprise level.  Looks like another exciting call!