How To Be Innovative: Lessons By Henry Ford's Journey Of Success

Henry Ford, a name synonymous with the automobile industry, was an automotive pioneer and a remarkable example of a young innovator driven by his passion, unwavering commitment, and innovative spirit.

Born in 1863, Ford's life journey is a compelling tale of how a young boy's curiosity and fascination with machines eventually revolutionized the world.

Let's take a closer look at Henry Ford's childhood, early interest in cars, groundbreaking inventions, and how his visionary approach and willingness to leave formal education and pursue apprenticeships led to the growth of an automotive empire.

Henry Ford's Childhood: A Glimpse into Curiosity and Innovation 

Henry Ford's childhood was marked by an innate curiosity about the world around him. Growing up on a farm in Michigan, he often tinkered with machinery, taking apart and reassembling them to understand how they worked. This early curiosity laid the foundation for his future endeavours.

Ford exhibited several traits that would contribute to his eventual success. He gained a reputation within his family for disassembling his toys and those of his siblings. He took the initiative to lead groups of boys in constructing basic waterwheels and steam engines.

He acquired knowledge about full-sized steam engines by engaging with steam engine operators and bombarding them with questions. Ford independently taught himself watch repair, using the watches as practical textbooks to grasp machine design fundamentals.

Thus, at a young age, Ford displayed curiosity, self-assuredness, mechanical aptitude, leadership potential, and a preference for hands-on learning through experimentation. These attributes would serve as the cornerstone of his entire career.

Leaving School to Pursue Passion

‍ Ford's unrelenting passion for machines led him to make a critical decision—he left school at a young age to pursue his interests. This bold move allowed him to focus on what truly captivated him, setting the stage for a lifetime of innovation.

Young Henry Ford could tread the well-worn farming path, following in his father's footsteps. However, his insatiable fascination with machines led him to embrace a different course. In 1879, he boldly departed from the farm and began his journey as an apprentice at a machine shop in Detroit.

During the following years, he embraced various job opportunities, often relocating to expand his knowledge. In 1882, he returned home, but farming was not his focus.

Instead, he operated and maintained portable steam engines used by farmers, occasionally found employment in Detroit's factories, and managed the cutting and sale of timber from 40 acres of his father's property.

This period marked the early steps in Ford's transition from farming to his mechanical and industrial pursuits.

Henry Ford's Quest for Independence and Self-Education

‍At this juncture, Ford was revealing yet another distinctive trait—his inclination toward working independently rather than being employed by someone else. 1888, Ford entered into matrimony with Clara Bryant, and by 1891, the couple had relocated to Detroit.

Ford ventured into a role as a night engineer at the Edison Electric Illuminating Company, a notable risk on his part as his knowledge of electricity was somewhat limited at that time. He embraced this position as an opportunity for personal growth and self-education.

Passion for Cars and the Birth of the Quadricycle

Henry's aptitude as a student shone through, and by 1896, he had ascended to the position of chief engineer at the Illuminating Company. Yet, his ambitions reached far beyond the confines of his career.

He joined the ranks of countless individuals toiling in barns and modest workshops in pursuit of the elusive horseless carriage. Ford avidly consumed accounts of these endeavours in magazines, adopting some of the concepts while introducing his innovations.

With the support of a close-knit circle of friends and associates, he created his first rudimentary automobile, the Quadricycle, a project he completed in 1896. Subsequently, a more advanced vehicle followed in 1898.

This period marked a significant chapter in Ford's apprenticeship in the realm of automotive engineering and innovation

Building Ford Motor Company

Ford unveiled one of his most pivotal attributes—the capacity to articulate a vision and persuade others to rally behind it, ultimately steering him toward the ability to make that vision a reality.

He managed to secure the support of a consortium of businessmen to embark on the most substantial risk of his life—establishing a company dedicated to crafting horseless carriages.

However, Ford was not well-versed in the intricacies of running a business, and the learning path often entailed setbacks. Both the new company and a second attempt ultimately faltered.

Ford took audacious leaps to resurrect his prospects, constructing and even test-driving a pair of racing cars. The success of these automobiles captured the attention of additional investors. On June 16, 1903, just before his 40th birthday, Henry undertook his third automotive venture, officially incorporating the Ford Motor Company.

The early chronicles of the Ford Motor Company underscore another of Henry Ford's invaluable talents—his knack for identifying and attracting exceptional talent.

He assembled a nucleus of young, highly proficient individuals who would remain loyal to him for years, shaping the Ford Motor Company into one of the world's foremost industrial enterprises.

The Model T and Assembly Line Innovation:

In the early days, horse-drawn vehicles still dominated city streets, while rural Americans were content with the limited travel range of horse- or mule-drawn conveyances. For longer journeys, an extensive and efficient railway network sufficed.

Everyday life didn't hinge on automobiles. Those who purchased cars primarily viewed them as a source of recreation, embarking on leisurely drives into the countryside. In this era, motor vehicles fell into two broad categories: commercial, encompassing trucks and taxis, and pleasure vehicles, including private cars.

The term "passenger cars" had yet to emerge. At this point, the remarkable automobile was predominantly an expensive novelty, primarily enjoyed by the wealthy rather than a transformative innovation.

Henry Ford's crowning achievement was the introduction of the Model T in 1908. This groundbreaking car was affordable and reliable, making automobile ownership accessible to a broader population. 

Ford's innovative suspension system was tailor-made to tackle the notoriously rough roads prevalent in the United States during that era. The engineering team opted for vanadium alloy steel, known for its superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to conventional carbon steel.

This choice made the Model T lighter than its rivals, granting its 20-horsepower engine a performance equivalent to that of pricier automobiles.

He summed it up in a statement that appeared in 1913 in the company magazine, Ford Times:

“I will build a motor car for the great multitude. It will be large enough for the family but small enough for the individual to run and care for. It will be constructed of the best materials by the best men to be hired, after the simplest designs that modern engineering can devise. But it will be so low in price that no man making a good salary will be unable to own one—and enjoy with his family the blessings of hours of pleasure in God’s great open spaces.”

Business Growth and the Ford Motor Company: 

In 1910, the company transitioned to a colossal new facility in Highland Park, just north of Detroit. By drawing inspiration from various industries, including watchmaking, clockmaking, gunsmithing, sewing machine production, and meat processing, Ford Motor Company 1913 pioneered a moving assembly line for automobiles.

However, Ford's vision extended beyond technical advancements.

When his employees voiced concerns about the repetitive nature of assembly line work, Ford introduced what might be considered his most audacious idea—doubling wages to an unprecedented $5 per day.

This groundbreaking move stabilised his workforce and empowered them to afford the cars they were manufacturing. He enlisted the expertise of the brilliant accountant Norval Hawkins, who assumed the role of sales manager. Hawkins masterminded a robust sales organization and an advertising campaign that ignited consumers' desire for Ford.

As a result, Model T sales surged steadily, even as the selling price plummeted. By 1921, half of all cars in America were Model Ts, and one could be acquired for as little as $415.

Key Takeaways for Young Innovators:

Curiosity is a Precious Asset: Henry Ford's curiosity and desire to understand how things worked fueled his innovative spirit. For young innovators, never stop asking questions and exploring your interests.

"Any man can learn anything he will, but no man can teach except to those who want to learn."

Passion Drives Innovation: Ford's love for cars led to the creation of the Quadricycle and the Model T. Find your passion and let it guide your pursuits.

Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.”
― Henry Ford

Innovation Solves Problems: The assembly line was an ingenious solution to manufacturing challenges. Innovation often arises from addressing real-world problems.

"Most people think that faith means believing something; oftener it means trying something, giving it a chance to prove itself"

Persistence is Key: Ford faced numerous setbacks and failures, but his persistence and determination kept him moving forward. Learn from failures and keep going.

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”

Affordable Access to All: Ford's commitment to making cars affordable to everyone changed the world. Consider how your innovations can have a positive impact on society.

Pursue Your Passion: Ford's decision to leave school and follow his passion was a pivotal moment in his life. Sometimes, following your interests can be the best education.

“Failure is only the opportunity more intelligently to begin again.”

Henry Ford's life is a testament to the potential of young innovators. By nurturing their curiosity, pursuing their passions, and persistently working toward their goals, young aspirants can follow in Ford's footsteps and make their mark on the world.