Henry Ford
The Leadership of Henry Ford
"The great need of the world has always been for leaders. With more leaders we could have more industry. More industry, more employment and comfort for all." –Henry Ford
Introduction
Henry Ford was the creator of one of the largest automobile manufacturing companies, influencing society in a number of ways and forever changing the face of the auto industry. One of the reasons for his success was the high priority he placed on his employees’ satisfaction. While Ford had much strength he also had weaknesses that held the company back and threatened to destroy it at times. Ford was a notable member of society and a great peace promoter. Ford’s business style and leadership skills throttled him to success.
Background
Henry Ford was born in 1863 to farmers in Dearborn, Michigan. Ford grew up living on the farm and attending school, neither of which he was satisfied with (“Henry Ford: The Innovator”). At the age of 16 his dissatisfaction led him to leave home and travel to Detroit to find work (“Henry Ford: The Innovator”). He found work at Edison Illuminating Company under Thomas Edison who constantly encouraged him to toy with engines and be creative (“Henry Ford: The Innovator”). Ford’s tinkering led to the Quadricycle and eventually his first motor company, Detroit Automobile Co. in 1899 (“Henry Ford: The Innovator”). The Detroit Automobile Co. failed shortly after it began and he created a new company, Henry Ford, Co., which lasted about one year (“Henry Ford: The Innovator”). Ford turned to racing and managed to attract investors with $28,000 to begin his new company, Ford Motor in 1903 (“Henry Ford: The Innovator”). The auto industry was young and robust at the time (“Henry Ford: The Innovator”). Most companies were just starting with more and more entering the industry every week (“The Great Leaders Series”). Competition was fierce and the threat of new entrants was very high (“Henry Ford: The Innovator”). Ford ran the
"The great need of the world has always been for leaders. With more leaders we could have more industry. More industry, more employment and comfort for all." –Henry Ford
Introduction
Henry Ford was the creator of one of the largest automobile manufacturing companies, influencing society in a number of ways and forever changing the face of the auto industry. One of the reasons for his success was the high priority he placed on his employees’ satisfaction. While Ford had much strength he also had weaknesses that held the company back and threatened to destroy it at times. Ford was a notable member of society and a great peace promoter. Ford’s business style and leadership skills throttled him to success.
Background
Henry Ford was born in 1863 to farmers in Dearborn, Michigan. Ford grew up living on the farm and attending school, neither of which he was satisfied with (“Henry Ford: The Innovator”). At the age of 16 his dissatisfaction led him to leave home and travel to Detroit to find work (“Henry Ford: The Innovator”). He found work at Edison Illuminating Company under Thomas Edison who constantly encouraged him to toy with engines and be creative (“Henry Ford: The Innovator”). Ford’s tinkering led to the Quadricycle and eventually his first motor company, Detroit Automobile Co. in 1899 (“Henry Ford: The Innovator”). The Detroit Automobile Co. failed shortly after it began and he created a new company, Henry Ford, Co., which lasted about one year (“Henry Ford: The Innovator”). Ford turned to racing and managed to attract investors with $28,000 to begin his new company, Ford Motor in 1903 (“Henry Ford: The Innovator”). The auto industry was young and robust at the time (“Henry Ford: The Innovator”). Most companies were just starting with more and more entering the industry every week (“The Great Leaders Series”). Competition was fierce and the threat of new entrants was very high (“Henry Ford: The Innovator”). Ford ran the