Affinity Groups in GE: Doing more than you might think

Whether it’s at a GE recruiting function, an information session, on our website, or in this very blog, you’ve probably heard about the affinity groups at GE. Groups like the African American Forum (AAF), the Hispanic Forum, the Asian Pacific American Forum (APAF), the Women’s Network (WN), and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Forum (GLBT). In many companies, groups like these are often spoken of, but seldom heard from. In GE, however, this is far from the case.

The various affinity groups in GE make themselves known. Localized branches of each group work to do more than just work towards the advancement of their respective focus group within the company… far more. These affinity groups take the responsibility upon themselves to assist in the informing and advancement of everyone in GE. As is stated within the Women’s Network mission statement,

“By sharing information, best-practices, education, and experience, we help one another develop the leadership skills and career-advancing opportunities needed to drive GE's success far into the future.”

This is accomplished through a variety of avenues. From sponsoring frequent upper-management guest speaker events and occasional web chats with industry leaders to lunch & learn information sessions and roundtable discussion forums, GE affinity groups bring people together with business leaders in an effort to keep all employees involved, informed, and in-sight of business leaders. And you know what’s the best thing? It’s all completely free, highly supported by the business, and open to everyone.

Just last week, the GE Women’s Network sponsored a 2-hour roundtable with Gary Reiner, GE’s current CIO, in Danbury, CT. This gave everyone from the multiple GE facilities in that area like me to have a chance to hear Gary’s take on the current state of the business, the future of GE, the global economy, and much more. It also allowed us to speak face-to-face with him about more personal topics, such as his views on rising gas prices, politics, family, sports, etc. He even took some time after his Q&A to give us all some career advice for getting ahead in GE. It was a great event, and all thanks to the Women’s Network.

This is just one example of how the GE affinity groups are present and active all around GE. So the next time you hear about the affinity groups at GE, listen up! They’re a great addition to work at GE and are an ever-present part of the GE community.

Comments

[Matt Brooks]

Thanks for including this article about the GE affinity and employee resource groups. Another way GE sponsors these groups is by hosting annual, global meetings in which the group invites members from around the Company and around the world to participate in a face-to-face set of workshops and key note sessions. On Sept 9 and 10, the GLBT Alliance held a global meeting in Austin, TX in which 150 members (including 6 GE Officers) attended. The one-and-a-half-day event exposed the members to several business leaders in a very intimate and unique way. I definitely recommend everybody to take advantage of the affinity and employee resource groups!

For more information about the GLBT Allinace, feel free to contact glbt@ge.com.