“Way Forward”: Ford Motor Indoctrination Onslaught

Borrowing tips from the business books he devours as late-night reading, Mr. Fields [president, Ford American operations] has also written long lists, which he keeps in a binder that sits on a shelf behind his desk, of what he expects from his staff - and what they should expect from him. He displayed them last week in his first interview since his promotion; the lists cover topics like the way he wants to run meetings (no secret BlackBerry surfing, no wall-sitters who do not take part in decision-making) and his personal values (candor, humility and a sense of humor). He wants reports on white paper, and memos delivered ahead of meetings - so that executives know what they will discuss. And he wants managers to wear enameled pins bearing the blue Ford oval insignia.

… [Mark Field and Anne L. Stevens] have become the latest celebrities in Detroit, a city where senior automotive executives are akin to Hollywood stars.

… People are watching closely, to the point where many Ford executives have taken to wearing blue rubber inspirational wristbands like those prominently sported by Mr. Fields and Ms. Stevens. Recently, The Detroit News breathlessly described Mr. Fields, with his jet-black hair, as "movie star handsome,"….

… Ford [Mr. Fields explained] wants to be known as “red, white and bold,” stressing its American heritage and its latest emphasis on innovation. Mr. Fields said that the phrase, which is embossed on the company's blue wristbands, “is not about wrapping ourselves in the American flag.”

Micheline Maynard, “Is There a Future in Ford’s Future?” New York Times, 1/08/06.