IMLPs Leading the Way

I think it’s safe to say that the average college-grad in the first year or two of work doesn’t really expect to be a leader in their company. Just figuring out what’s going on and how to get around seems like enough work, much less trying to initiate something new or help those around them.

Not so with IMLPs at GE. Repeatedly over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to see IMLPs lead the way in embracing new technologies and methodologies. In addition, after these leaders have explored new territories, they are given the opportunity to share and guide others in using these tools.

One great example of this at GE Transportation is Video Conferencing. The IMLPs have been among the first people to make regular use of this technology in the business, and have gained a depth of knowledge on the subject that surpasses even most IT personnel. As a result, the IMLPs have been asked to help staff Video Conference training sessions. At all of Transportation’s various sites, IMLPs have given hands-on tutorials to fellow employees from all functions and levels of the business.

Another key initiative which IMLPs at Transportation have been involved in is Tech Buddies. In this program, IT employees are paired up with one of the members of the executive staff in order to help them learn about new technologies. Most of the Transportation IMLPs have taken advantage of this great opportunity to be exposed to upper level management and share new productivity tools with the people who probably need them the most!

Giving so much responsibility to young employees could be dangerous. More mistakes will be made, and things may not be done quite as well as if you had an experienced person completing the same task. You also run the risk of overwhelming people before they begin to feel comfortable in their main tasks, particularly if enough guidance and mentorship is not provided. However, GE tends to do a good job at providing encouragement and support, making a culture of young leaders possible.

One of GE’s core values is “inclusiveness” – the ability to be humble, listen to others’ ideas, and be open to different perspectives. I think that the leadership and visibility that IMLPs receive at GE is a great example of how this trait is lived out on a corporate scale. Allowing young, inexperienced employees to have a voice is key to staying up-to-date, and gives a wonderful opportunity for these employees to grow.

Overall, GE does a great job of fostering this environment with programs like IMLP, and I think it is relatively unique in this sense. What other examples of leadership coming from a young generation have you seen (either at GE, other companies, or in society)?