Larry Solow:  

From our book, "What Works for GE May Not Work for You: Using Human Systems Dynamics to Build a Culture of Process Improvement" (Lawrence Solow and Brenda Fake, Productivity Press, 2010). "Larry has always been a person to ask questions and challenge traditional theory. His M.O. for learning is to be introduced to a new subject, discuss it, and during the conversation identify assumptions, inconsistencies, and exceptions. As a freshman at Rutgers University in 1974, Larry enrolled in a course named “Introduction to Human Communication” taught by David (“Louie”) Bender. Bender’s common sense, provocative approach to learning captivated Larry and he chose to major in Human Communications. Larry went on to get his Masters degree in Organizational Communication and eventually found a job with Robert Bell and Company, a short-interval scheduling consulting firm. Reflecting on that experience, Larry laughs as he recounted almost being fired several times because of his incessant questioning. After a stint with another consulting firm, Larry joined Harley-Davidson, Inc. in York, PA as a senior OD consultant. Harley provided a powerful “learning laboratory” for his continuing questions about the intersection of theory and practice. He was exposed to the concepts and t...Expand for more