Ford Motor – “Ford's people are its greatest asset”

Pros

Wonderful people. I developed trusting relationships with those in my department and others within my first few months of working here. Most people at all levels truly care about one another's success. Ford Motor Company leads the rebound of the automotive industry, and it's exciting to have a role in the turn-around.

Cons

Recent economic pressure has led some employees to fear for their jobs. When people are driven by fear, political jockeying and sharp elbows prevail. Some lower and mid level managers have adapted to having smaller teams by digging in and working alongside those who report to them, while others still feel it is only their job to "manage" and babysit, not to contribute in any meaningful way. Ford is still quite management heavy, leaving little opportunity for promotions or growth opportunities.

Advice to Senior Management

Identify and promote high performers. Test competencies of very long term employees whose skills may have dwindled. Have cross-functional teams rate other global members of the team, using evaluations such as, "on a scale of 1 to 5, would you want to work on a team with this person again" and "this person put team goals ahead of personal project interests."