A couple of reviewers have noted that GE’s retired CEO Jack Welch’s book Jack: What I’ve Learned Leading a Company & Great People gives only a brief blurb about his marriage of 28 years that ended in divorce. “We grew apart.” Duh. Nothing about his relationship with his four kids either, except the Christmas letter-type listing of their accomplishments and credentials.
Today’s headlines, Harvard Editor Faces Revolt Over Handling of Welch Story, indicates that his second marriage might now be in trouble.
I’m not griping about Welch, but rather our culture’s fawning over him as a great man. A talented business leader? Yes, no doubt. But that doesn’t necessarily make him a great man. He might be a great father, friend, and community member (I’m skeptical), but not much attention is paid to whether or not he is.