Henry Ford is a well-known historical giant who is best remembered as the American industrialist who founded the Ford Motor Company. He is also credited with developing the assembly line technique of mass production, which revolutionized the world of manufacturing.
Ford was born on a farm in Greenfield Township, MI. Even as a young child, he possessed a genuine interest in mechanics and wanted to learn how things worked. By the age of 15, Ford had earned the reputation of a watch repairman after dismantling and reassembling dozens of timepieces from his friends and neighbors.
Destined to maximize his life’s potential and pursue his professional interest, he became a successful engineer and entrepreneur. On October 1, 1908, the Ford Motor Company introduced the affordable and high quality automobile called the Model T. In 1913, Ford dramatically increased the production power of his plants by introducing the moving assembly line. Ford’s success continued to accumulate over time and he was able to accrue one of the world’s largest fortunes at the time.
Ford’s philosophy as an employer was based upon his idea of welfare capitalism, which was designed to improve the morale of his workers and reduce the high turnover rate that was affecting many other departments. He believed that efficiency and success meant hiring and keeping the best worker.
Without question, Ford valued the contributions of his workers and the significant role that they played in ensuring the success of his company. He demonstrated the wisdom and selflessness of good leadership by addressing the needs of those who worked for him. Ford encouraged those under his charge to do their best work for the company by creating a company that desired to do the best for its employees.