General Motors – “GM is a far better company than current situation would indicate”

Pros

Breadth of responsibility, complexity of industry, feeling of accomplishment, advanced technology, opportunity for cross-functional experience, global focus, quality culture, diversity practices, integrity and ethical practices throughout the company.

Cons

Office facilities out-of-date and poorly maintained, IT systems/staff inadequate, corporate culture needs to change faster, current economic crisis has negatively impacted auto industry, overly regulated industry, no U.S. government policy on energy, manufacturing, health care, business development.

Advice to Senior Management

Need to be more vocal about the 30-year record of incompetence by the U.S. government. GM created many of its own problms, but Rick Wagoner fessed up to the mess several years ago and adressed the difficult issues with urgency and transparency. It is time to push back on the U.S. government and ask for a coherent energy policy, health care policy, global trade policy, manufacturing policy, and tighter regulation of the banking and oil industries. Maintain the perfect GM leadership track record of integrity and ethical practices. Publicly promote GM's plant safety record, quality improvements, productivity gains, diversity policies and corporate responsibility.