In addition, investors still held to the idea that cars were only a market for the wealthy, pressuring Ford to install more luxury features. These backers could not comprehend Ford’s vision that reliable automobiles had the potential to be a product for the masses. Consequently, Ford willingly sacrificed his leadership in both situations and moved on rather than compromise his standards. Finally, his third effort (and second attempt at the Ford Motor Company) became a success and the eventual juggernaut it is today.
daily operations and their oversight to others so you can focus on serving as the architect and captain of your organization? Additionally, do you have a consistent system for assessing quality and testing your products or services? Taking such measures allows you to ensure your offerings are always of the highest caliber. You will do outstanding work and establish a name that earns respect and influence.
better citizens. This resolve allowed him to play a pivotal role in developing a national middle class—the backbone of all great civilizations. In contrast, other magnates sought to maximize profits through only fair, partial, or criminal exchange with their employees. Still, Ford was willing to hold himself to the principles of abundance exchange in many instances. This decision was also practical because Ford’s employees would be able to afford his cars. This would become a
Outperform the Average Moral and Ethical Baselines
Quality means doing it right when nobody is looking.
Modern Application
Others will only follow you if you have something more to offer than the status quo. In your ethics and morals, you have to be exemplary to become a Bellwether.
strong promotion for his label, as his workers were natural brand ambassadors.
Achieving excellence means strict adherence to your principles. At times, you will have to take a loss and cut ties with others who do not hold to your lofty ideals. However, your devotion to higher standards will eventually result in success. Like Ford, take practical steps to ensure high-quality production. Ford is most famously noted for his implementation and improvement of the assembly line system.
Modern Application
You may not be able to double employee wages. However, do you try to get away with partial or criminal exchange with those of lower status? Or are you trying to elevate others, recognizing that these efforts will come back to you in a positive return? Of course, you shouldn’t be frivolous with your revenue. Still, compute the ROI on making a larger upfront investment in
How Ford Did It
Another powerful evidence of Ford’s desire to benefit society was his decision to pay his workers a “Living Wage.” In fact, the innovator more than doubled what factory workers typically received in salary. Ford believed excellent pay and sound guidance could enable others to become
Are your processes fixed and repeatable? Do you delegate
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