"If you pick the right people and give them the opportunity to spread their wings and put compensation as a carrier behind it you almost don't have to manage them"

Jack Welch’s perspective draws from a philosophy of leadership that prioritizes empowerment, autonomy, and motivation over control. When selecting employees, the act of choosing “the right people” goes beyond assessing technical ability or experience, it means identifying individuals who are self-driven, resourceful, and align with the organization’s culture and values. Such individuals are more likely to be intrinsically motivated and able to adapt, innovate, and perform without requiring constant oversight.

Providing “the opportunity to spread their wings” is about trusting and encouraging these talented people to take initiative, make decisions, and pursue new ideas. This autonomy fosters ownership and engagement, enabling employees to reach their full potential. Leaders who create an environment where team members feel safe to experiment and grow experience higher levels of creativity, loyalty, and job satisfaction within their organizations.

Compensation as “a carrier behind it” refers to the idea that appropriate reward structures play an essential supporting role. Recognizing effort and achievement with fair, motivating compensation ensures that employees feel valued for their contributions. However, Welch places compensation as supportive, not primary, the real drivers are the people themselves and the opportunities they’re given. Well-designed incentives help sustain motivation and signal to employees that ambition, effort, and results are appreciated and will be rewarded.

The thrust of Welch’s insight is that with a highly capable, motivated team that’s properly incentivized, the need for micromanagement and constant supervision all but disappears. Instead of expending energy enforcing compliance and monitoring progress, leaders can trust their teams to deliver, while focusing on strategy and growth. This approach not only boosts productivity but also strengthens morale and innovation, marking a shift from control-based management to leadership that unleashes people’s potential. The result is a self-sustaining organization where initiative and excellence are the norm, not the exception.