Henry Ford is a fascinating figure. The man’s legacy is equally compelling and complicated. Still, few names have achieved such enduring worldwide recognition.
Anyone who wishes to become a modern Bellwether and attain international influence should examine Ford’s life for valuable lessons. In such a consideration, we can appreciate how to embrace his best qualities and leave the world a better place.
Make Sacrifices To Accomplish Outstanding Work
Before Bellwethers can influence anyone, they have to build a solid reputation. Well, the only way people can clearly appreciate your value is by seeing the quality of your work. Create a track record of excellence in your field.
How Ford Did It
Ford famously stated that “quality means doing it right when no one is looking.” In fact, his dedication to well-built machines led to notable failures before he succeeded.
For example, Ford’s first two attempts to start an automobile company led to him butting heads with investors and partners. Some of these individuals wanted to rush production and get quick results.
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.
Modern Application
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.
Are your processes fixed and repeatable? Do you delegate 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.
Outperform the Average Moral and Ethical Baselines
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.
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 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 strong promotion for his label, as his workers were natural brand ambassadors.
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 treating people well. Then take calculated risks that complement your high moral standards.
Prioritize Improving the World Over Accumulating Wealth
Wealth is one of your tools in service of the greater good. As such, money should be a means to an end and not the primary objective itself. Bellwethers understand this truth and live it.
How Ford Did It
The 19th and 20th centuries had two types of business leaders: “robber barons” and “captains of industry.” Robber barons had ethically questionable methods and pushed for monopolies at all costs with little concern for their workers.
Captains of industry, on the other hand, were philanthropists at heart. This in no way diminished their ability to be strategic or competitive. Still, they prioritized making a positive impact over wealth.
Records show that most in Ford’s tax bracket gave away about 5% of their income. On the other hand, he gave away 33% of his earnings. Instead of stockpiling riches, he was more concerned with what he could do with his wealth.
In practice, Ford gave many small gifts spontaneously and wholeheartedly. Other times, he set up projects to assist a needy group, including hospitals, schools, work camps, and housing for refugees. Yes, regardless of some misguided efforts, he literally put his money where his mouth was.
Modern Application
Becoming a genuine Bellwether means that giving is your lifestyle. Start with putting charity in your personal and business budget.
A true test of your motives is by giving anonymously. You’ll likely need to put this on your agenda to stay on track. Endeavor to do one secret act of generosity each week.
Remember that anonymous means totally without identification. Resolve not to tell your friends, family members, or associates about what you did or even hint at it.
When you can give to others without any more reward than personal satisfaction, you’re steadily on the path of altruistic leadership.
Change the World for the Better as a Bellwether
Humankind loves progress and is always looking for leaders who will help us advance a little further. Henry Ford saw the world’s potential and undoubtedly left a substantial impact, and his nobler desires left an illuminating legacy.
Let us all work toward pursuing the welfare of society as intensely as he did. With such intentions, we may find ourselves establishing the kind of lasting and inspiring influence that Ford also achieved.
