“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”

– Henry A. Ford

Today, Henry Ford’s name is known around the world; he is considered to be one of the United State’s greatest entrepreneurs. Ford’s path to success was not an easy one, however. He started three separate motor companies before finding success. His first company dissolved after investors lost faith in him. After his second attempt, Ford was written off as a failure, however, he did not let that deter him. Ford continued refining his design and even built a couple of champion race cars. All the while he was improving his manufacturing solution.

In 1904, with his third company, Ford experience explosive success. His automobile manufacturing process revolutionized the car industry and brought car ownership within reach of the common man. Today, Ford’s legacy lives on in the Ford Motor Company. Proof that success can be achieved by being solution oriented.

• Ford’s solution strategy had four key elements:
• Refuse to give up – He did not let past failures deter him.
• Refocus your thinking – What others consider failure, Ford used as learning opportunities.
• Rethink your strategy – Each learning opportunity provided insight into what he could try next.
• Repeat the process – As he continued this cycle, Ford’s solutions got better and better; until one caught and can still be seen today in the Ford Motor Company.

Beautiful in their simplicity, those four keys are still used today for every successful project. From billion-dollar boardrooms to trying new recipes on your stove at home.

Think of something you are trying to achieve. How can the four keys help you find a successful solution?

Photo public domain, courtesy of Wikipedia.