Byron's Babbles

Valuable Insights of Henry Ford

Posted in Educational Leadership, Global Leadership, Leadership, Leadership Development by Dr. Byron L. Ernest on March 31, 2024

My son and I had the opportunity to spend time at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum yesterday. It is a great place learn more about the automotive icon, Henry Ford, and about the history the automotive industry including the innovation behind some of the world’s most iconic vehicles. Innovations, such as the electric windshield wiper motor invented by one of Ford’s female engineers. Visitors can explore the birthplace of the Ford Model T and see how Henry Ford revolutionized the production process with the assembly line. That was a great exhibit in the museum, by the way. Additionally, the museum showcases the impact of early automobiles on society and the evolution of transportation over time. It’s a fascinating place to gain insight into the past and appreciate the ingenuity that has shaped modern-day vehicles.

The museum also does a great job of illustrating how industry must keep up with the latest needs and desires of customers. One thing Ford struggled with was making changes to keep models new and modern like the sleeker more beautiful models other companies were coming out with.

Leaders can learn good lessons from Henry Ford’s example, such as his production processes and his ability to revolutionize an industry. They could also learn the importance of perseverance and dedication to one’s vision. However, leaders could also learn to be cautious of the negative aspects of Ford’s leadership style, such as his controversial views on labor relations and his authoritarian management style. Overall, studying the example of Henry Ford can provide valuable insights for leaders looking to make a positive impact in their industries. We must always remember these leaders of the past were human. As humans, we have good traits and traits to improve on. We must study others as humans, learning from the good and bad.

Leave a comment