Case Study: General Electric becomes the world’s most valuable company with Topgrading

General Electric - Customer Case Study

General Electric worked with Topgrading to address a persistent problem with mis-hires and mis-promotions. Under Jack Welch, GE had grown rapidly but wanted a more effective way to identify high-potential managers, since only about 25% of managers hired or promoted were turning out to be high performers.

Topgrading rolled out its methodology at GE, including the Tandem Topgrading Interview, and trained HR and managers to use it across the company. The share of high performers hired and promoted rose from 25% to over 80%, and GE’s market capitalization increased from $39 billion in 1987 to about $572 billion in 2000, helping make the company the most valuable in the world. Topgrading also supported GE’s Emotional Intelligence coaching program to improve leadership culture and accountability.

General Electric

Bill Conaty

SVP Human Resources