The New Uncharted Territory
Scott Monty at Ford
CONGRATULATIONS: Jericho Technology would like to send this well-deserved accolade to Scott Monty at Ford Motor Company. He is a man whose time has come.
THE OLD DAYS: Some of us remember the day when major U.S. companies thought the burgeoning Internet was a fad, soon to go the way of the Hula Hoop.
Can you remember those dark days presenting the exciting news of Internet business, sitting opposite a Fortune 500 executive in his mahogany Board Room, and watching with chagrin as his eyes glazed over? I certainly can. Well, I don’t know how many Hula Hoops remain in museums and private collections, but the Internet is now more than ubiquitous, having fundamentally changed the culture worldwide. It will never be the same again.
In today’s world, Social Media has become the new uncharted territory, and men like Scott Monty, encouraged by CEO’s like Alan Mulally, are charting a new and exciting course. Those of us who make our living leading wagon trains across this new expanse of knowledge and vision, owe a debt of gratitude to men like Scott Monty and his boss for making our trek just a bit easier and more productive.
Please read the following article from Scott, and visit his blog to watch and appreciate Mr. Mulally’s words. It will be time well spent.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Role of Leadership in Social Media
We often hear of social media being equated with tools and platforms. But it’s really much more than that.
If you’re adopting these technologies and behaviors at your company, it’s not about the shiny new toys. It’s fundamentally about culture change. And that type of transformational change – which may include updating business practices – must come from the top. But more than a top-down dictum, it’s got to be part of leadership.
I’ve previously discussed leadership here – in particular the leadership from Ford’s CEO Alan Mulally, who really gets social media. He promotes a culture of transparency and openness that is completely aligned with the way we’re trying to engage with consumers online and think about how we do business. Consistency of purpose and of message is key.
The Washington Post’s “On Leadership” feature recently did a two-part interview with Alan that captures some of the thinking behind what makes this major culture change at Ford such a success. I thought it was valuable to share these videos with you, since there are broader business lessons here that any marketing, communications or social media professional should understand.
Alan Mulally on catching mistakes
Alan Mulally on the “liberating clarity” of his mission
This kind of thinking and laser-like focus on our plan is one of the things that continues to set Ford apart. In social media as well as in the industry.
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"Give me faith, freedom, resources, and a little time ... and I will make things happen that matter." Michael R.H. Stewart is a respected Internet executive with broad experience in all aspects of online business, with an emphasis given to social networking development, and company management. He has over 65,000 engaged Twitter followers (http://twitter.com/jerichotech). He enjoys 20 years of direct experience with corporate, entrepreneurial, governmental and non-profit clients, having advised them on all aspects of their online initiatives. Prior to his Internet career, he served as a Senior Vice President of AIG Marketing, doing business in 135 foreign countries as well as the United States. Stewart is an experienced public speaker and communicator, with worldwide experience; an expert on corporate branding; an accomplished writer (his new book, Trajectory, is being published in January, 2012), a creative thinker and problem solver.
I feel compelled to say, in response to Scott Monty's humble comments above, that it is a shame that all executives do not share in his vision and dedication. I have never met Mr. Monty, an honor I hope to achieve one day, but I am proud to know OF him.
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- disagree
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LikeMichael, you're very kind to include me here. But it's really about Ford. I am so deeply honored to be able to serve this American and global icon and realize every day how hard all of my colleagues at Ford are as we implement a vision that is consistent with Henry Ford's original plan. Back then, he was the face of Ford. But now, in the era we're in, we have such an opportunity for the many faces of Ford - those passionate men and women who are so proud to do what they do - to come through. I just happen to be one of them.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeI feel compelled to say, in response to Scott Monty's humble comments above, that it is a shame that all executives do not share in his vision and dedication. I have never met Mr. Monty, an honor I hope to achieve one day, but I am proud to know OF him.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeI feel compelled to say, in response to Scott Monty's humble comments above, that it is a shame that all executives do not share in his vision and dedication. I have never met Mr. Monty, an honor I hope to achieve one day, but I am proud to know OF him.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeMichael, you're very kind to include me here. But it's really about Ford. I am so deeply honored to be able to serve this American and global icon and realize every day how hard all of my colleagues at Ford are as we implement a vision that is consistent with Henry Ford's original plan. Back then, he was the face of Ford. But now, in the era we're in, we have such an opportunity for the many faces of Ford - those passionate men and women who are so proud to do what they do - to come through. I just happen to be one of them.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
Like