How Microenterprises and Distributed Leadership Drive Growth

In the premiere episode of the MIT Sloan Management Review video series “Leaders at All Levels,” GE Appliances CEO Kevin Nolan explores distributed leadership and its transformative impact. Seeking increased agility, Nolan decentralized power by creating autonomous microenterprises. This propelled GE Appliances from the fourth appliance company in the U.S., to the top appliance company. The success story includes employees who independently launched a profitable RV trade show venture without CEO approval or budget. Nolan's effective approach features core elements: zero-distance philosophy that encourages direct interaction between innovators and customers; innovation without bureaucracy; humility over hierarchy to leverage organizational intelligence; and real accountability via individual P&L responsibility tied to compensation. Hosted by Kate Isaacs and Michele Zanini, this course offers insight into applying Nolan's model of autonomy and alignment to your business goals.