Henry Ford started as a farmer, tinkering with machines to improve his business. He saw early on the benefits and allure of motorized travel and pioneered many things related to the automobile – gas engines, assembly lines, transmissions, and the $5 wage. That last innovation proved extremely profitable; instead of constant employee turnover, the best mechanics in Detroit flocked to Ford, bringing their human capital and expertise, raising productivity, and lowering training costs. He had stumbled on the simple idea that happy employees worked better together and were good for business. Say what you will about him, but the fact remains that over 100 years ago he understood the value of keeping good employees and encouraging them to work together. Whether in business or sports, the power and value of teamwork makes sense, and dollars and cents. Good leaders discover what it takes to make happy employees and teams and aren’t confused about their value to the bottom line. Bring them together, keep them together, and give them the tools and support to work together. The world and the world of work have changed greatly in the last century, but the basics of human behavior and performance have not: people thrive in an environment of shared goals, hard work, and teamwork. Bring that to work today.
Henry Ford (1863 – 1947): American industrialist and business magnate. As the founder of the Ford Motor Company, he is credited as a pioneer in making automobiles affordable for middle-class Americans.
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